Entry Word: authorize

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give official or legal power to <only the school nurse is authorized to give any necessary shots>

Synonyms accredit, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, license (or licence), qualify

Related Words approve, clear, endorse (also indorse), OK (or okay), sanction; affirm, confirm, validate; inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in; allow, let, permit; enfranchise, entitle, privilege

Near Antonyms ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, disqualify, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop; enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto

2 to give a right to <this pass will authorize you to go backstage> — see entitle 1
3 to give official acceptance of something as satisfactory <a system for sound reproduction that has been authorized as meeting the electronic industryʼs highest standards> — see approve