authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic
: justify sense 1a
authorizer
noun
Examples of authorize in a Sentence
The city council authorized the sale of the land.
Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
There have been outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles at the site, and ICE officers have used the dangerously subpar conditions to pressure detainees to sign papers authorizing their deportation.
—
Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
And there is some certain details in terms of addressing conflicts with some of our herbicide requirements with respect to the provision authorizing the ag experiment station to conduct the herbicide treatment.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Loading of crude and refined products at Fujairah, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, was halted as a precaution while damage is being assessed, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak to the media.
—Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Last year, Apple announced a $100 billion share repurchase program, and Alphabet authorized $70 billion in buybacks.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
And there is some certain details in terms of addressing conflicts with some of our herbicide requirements with respect to the provision authorizing the ag experiment station to conduct the herbicide treatment.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Loading of crude and refined products at Fujairah, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, was halted as a precaution while damage is being assessed, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak to the media.
—Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Last year, Apple announced a $100 billion share repurchase program, and Alphabet authorized $70 billion in buybacks.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
noun
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
authorizer
noun
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
Legal Definition
authorize
transitive verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
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