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 Since approving mifepristone 24 years ago, the FDA has authorized changes in the drug's dosing, and over time, has lifted many of the initial restrictions on dispensing it. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 26 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, a significant late-season storm is brewing March 24, 2024 The two allegedly got into a struggle over the weapon, and department sources who were not authorized to speak on the record said that surveillance video inside the lobby shows the altercation lasting only a matter of seconds. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 The state investigation authorized Friday on youth treatment homes could inspire further legislation down the road. Wilson Criscione, Idaho Statesman, 24 Mar. 2024 Earlier this year, a bipartisan group of Senate and House lawmakers unveiled legislation to authorize $7 billion to save the ACP — that’s $1 billion more than the Biden administration asked for. Brian Fung, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 Friday’s vote by investors in Digital World Acquisition authorized the special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group as part of a process that will avoid a more traditional public offering. Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The United States has been Ukraine’s primary military supporter, authorizing more than $44 billion in security aid since the war began. Daniel Depetris, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024 The scheme has netted the cartel, Jalisco New Generation, hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade, according to U.S. officials who were not authorized to speak publicly, via dozens of call centers in Mexico that relentlessly target American and Canadian timeshare owners. Maria Abi-Habib, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The City Council, with a two-thirds vote, will be able to authorize up to $100,000. Stacy Ryburn, arkansasonline.com, 20 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near authorize

Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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