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
Synonyms
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
The detailed account of the incident is based substantially on sources with knowledge of what happened who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on behalf of the district.
—
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024
By the numbers: One stat that got lawmakers' attention — of the roughly 860 doctors in the state who are authorized to prescribe medical marijuana, about 34% of cardholders were approved by only seven doctors.
—Worth Sparkman, Axios, 16 Aug. 2024
The arrests came around a week after Shafik initially authorized the NYPD to arrest more than 100 protesters on a preliminary charge of criminal trespass a day after the encampment was launched on April 17.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 14 Aug. 2024
Although the ordinance also authorizes a zoning administrator to issue a temporary sign permit (with various restrictions), National Experiential had very little time by that point and was unable to secure permission.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize 
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024
By the numbers: One stat that got lawmakers' attention — of the roughly 860 doctors in the state who are authorized to prescribe medical marijuana, about 34% of cardholders were approved by only seven doctors.
—Worth Sparkman, Axios, 16 Aug. 2024
The arrests came around a week after Shafik initially authorized the NYPD to arrest more than 100 protesters on a preliminary charge of criminal trespass a day after the encampment was launched on April 17.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 14 Aug. 2024
Although the ordinance also authorizes a zoning administrator to issue a temporary sign permit (with various restrictions), National Experiential had very little time by that point and was unable to secure permission.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.
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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