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

Any restaurant names or trademarks in the names of our recipes are included solely for reference and do not indicate any authorization or approval by their owners. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025

The order by President Donald Trump to deny citizenship to babies born to immigrants without legal authorization to be in the U.S. is now before the courts. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

The nuclear fuel line project objective is for companies to product commercial fuel for nuclear reactors using the DOE’s authorization process that would provide federal oversight. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

The European electronic travel authorization isn't even in effect yet, but the European Union is already bumping up the fees. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 July 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