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

Prior authorization is like a permission slip your doctor has to obtain from your health insurer before certain treatments or tests. —Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 25 Sep. 2025

The fund helps immigrants with basic processes like naturalization applications and work authorization filings but may also be used for legal defense during deportation proceedings. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025

Another alleged flaw concerns Gastineau’s contention his publicity rights were used without authorization. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025

That's the same deadline that Grassley gave Noem to respond about stopping student visa authorizations. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 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