authorize

1 of 2

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 

authorized; authorizing; authorizes

transitive verb

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

authorizer

2 of 2

noun

au·​tho·​riz·​er

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər

plural -s

1

: one that authorizes

2

: a clerk who verifies the credit standing of customers and approves or disapproves charges against their accounts

Synonyms of authorize

Verb

• enable
• empower

Examples of authorize in a Sentence

Verb

The city council authorized the sale of the land.

Who authorized the transfer of the funds?

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Russia condemned on Wednesday a European Union decision to authorize EU vessels in the Mediterranean to stop and inspect foreign ships suspected of being part of a shadow fleet transporting Russian oil. —Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 14 June 2026

The ballot initiative would authorize the 1,800-unit, 498-acre project north of East Covell Boulevard. —Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

Massachusetts authorized later last calls and public drinking districts. —Peter Su, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

The department also beefed up staff after Heuermann's arrest, but purposefully did not assign any female correction officers to the unit, and no staff is allowed in unless authorized to work there. —ABC News, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

circa 1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for authorize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• butterflies
• catalyze

Kids 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

ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən

noun

authorizer

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər

noun

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

authorization

ˌȯ-thə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun