authorize

verb

au·tho·rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz

authorized; authorizing; authorizes

Synonyms of authorize next

transitive verb

: 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

: to invest especially with legal authority : empower

He is authorized to act for his father.

archaic : justify sense 1a

authorizer noun

Example Sentences

The city council authorized the sale of the land. Who authorized the transfer of the funds?

Recent Examples on the Web Now, Congress will consider whether to authorize the spending deal. —

Ruth Serven Smith | Rserven@al.com, al, 30 May 2023 Wright’s order comes after five Arkansans filed suit against the state Department of Education, Education Secretary Jacob Oliva and members of the state Board of Education for using the LEARNS Act to authorize the takeover of the Marvell-Elaine School District by a charter school non-profit. —

Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2023 Once users authorize the information with Face ID or Touch ID, the information will be shared digitally, the GDDS said on its website. —

Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 29 May 2023 State Farm® independent contractor agents licensed and authorized in California will continue to serve existing customers for these products and new customers for products not impacted by this decision. —

Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 May 2023 The deal directs the Army to authorize completion of the pipeline over the waters of the United States and limits litigation challenging the pipeline. —

Jeremy Beaman, Washington Examiner, 28 May 2023 The two men also agreed to rescind some money previously authorized to combat the coronavirus pandemic. —

Marianna Sotomayor, Washington Post, 27 May 2023 In email correspondence Wright shared with Rolling Stone, Victor Escalon, DPS Regional Director for South Texas, asserted that his troopers’ actions were covered by a federal statute authorizing state and local officers to assist and cooperate with Border Patrol. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2023 Both carriers are under tenselabor negotiations this summer with crew members vital to getting passengers from A to Z. At Southwest Airlines, pilots voted to authorize a strike after just a week and a half of voting. —

Alexandra Skores, Dallas News, 26 May 2023 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisen, autorisen, borrowed from Anglo-French auctorizer, autorizer, borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, auctōrisāre, from Latin auctōr-, auctor "originator, creator, authority" + Late Latin -izāre -ize — more at author entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of authorize was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century