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
The emergency proclamation authorizes the Hawaii National Guard to assist civilian authorities and directs all state agencies to cooperate in response efforts.
—
Jon Haworth, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2025
That’s what’s known as an Article 3 judge, authorized under Article 3 of the Constitution.
—John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In May, the West Memphis City Council unanimously approved two ordinances authorizing a $10 billion payment-in-lieu of taxes agreement between the city and an unnamed company.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
These orders immediately authorize TVA to enter the properties for the purpose of conducting surveys.
—Brie Stimson , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Jon Haworth, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2025
That’s what’s known as an Article 3 judge, authorized under Article 3 of the Constitution.
—John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In May, the West Memphis City Council unanimously approved two ordinances authorizing a $10 billion payment-in-lieu of taxes agreement between the city and an unnamed company.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
These orders immediately authorize TVA to enter the properties for the purpose of conducting surveys.
—Brie Stimson , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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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