authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing; authorizes

transitive verb

1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic : justify sense 1a
authorizer noun

Examples of authorize in a Sentence

The city council authorized the sale of the land. Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The officials, who were familiar with the matter, spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025 The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 The latest: The City Council will vote tonight on whether to authorize the city manager to negotiate a lease with Kalahari. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 Three out of the 20 port health stations now have no CDC staff and half have no officer in charge, according to a current CDC employee, who's not authorized to speak publicly. Pien Huang, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authorize

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisen, autorisen, borrowed from Anglo-French auctorizer, autorizer, borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, auctōrisāre, from Latin auctōr-, auctor "originator, creator, authority" + Late Latin -izāre -ize — more at author entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of authorize was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

authorize

verb
au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
noun
authorizer
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
noun

Legal Definition

authorize

transitive verb
au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
authorization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authorize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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