authorization

noun

au·​tho·​ri·​za·​tion ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act of authorizing

2

: an instrument that authorizes : sanction

Synonyms

• permission
• consent

Examples of authorization in a Sentence

you will need the authorization of the council before you can act

his authorization to go ahead with the project was finally given

Recent Examples on the Web

The virus’ genetic sequence was identified and released in January; by May volunteers were receiving injections in the human trials; and in December both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s vaccines got FDA authorization. —Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025

Legislative authorization is also required. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025

The union representing Broadway musicians has called for a strike authorization vote, setting the stage for a possible double-strike with Actors’ Equity. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025

Local 802 members began voting on a strike authorization Thursday, and the vote ends on Sunday. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisation "legal validation of a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French auctorisacion "authorization," borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizātiōn-, auctōrizātiō "recognition as authoritative, authorization," from auctōrizāre "to authorize" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing authorization

• emergency use authorization
• pre-authorization

Rhymes for authorization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration