license

¹li·cense

noun \ˈlī-s^ən(t)s\

Definition of LICENSE

1

a : permission to act b : freedom of action

2

a : a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful b : a document, plate, or tag evidencing a license granted c : a grant by the holder of a copyright or patent to another of any of the rights embodied in the copyright or patent short of an assignment of all rights

3

a : freedom that allows or is used with irresponsibility b : disregard for standards of personal conduct : licentiousness

4

: deviation from fact, form, or rule by an artist or writer for the sake of the effect gained

— licensed adjective

Variants of LICENSE

li·cense or li·cence \ˈlī-s^ən(t)s\

Examples of LICENSE

1. The restaurant's owner applied for a license to sell liquor.
2. His job as a reporter gives him license to go anywhere and ask anything.

Origin of LICENSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French licence, from Latin licentia, from licent-, licens, present participle of licēre to be permitted

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LICENSE

Synonyms: allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, permission (or licence), sanction, sufferance, warrant

Antonyms: interdiction, prohibition, proscription

Related Words: imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp; accreditation, certification; liberty, pass; concession, patent, permit; tolerance, toleration; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, OK (or okay); accord, grant

Near Antonyms: denial, refusal, rejection, revocation; taboo (also tabu); injunction, veto; deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression; ban, embargo, exclusion

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at freedom

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite