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 project is under the authority of the Continuing Authorities program, which authorizes the secretary of the Army to plan, design and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project-specific congressional authorization.
—
Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2025
However, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Venezuelans who have been granted work authorization under TPS are authorized to work in the United States through April 2, 2026.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Langan and other executives are charged with authorizing and overseeing the bribes.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
And Fisher believes the situation warrants an even stronger response, under which his team would be authorized to kill wolves that are clearly habituated to hunting and eating only domestic animals.
—Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authorize
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Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2025
However, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Venezuelans who have been granted work authorization under TPS are authorized to work in the United States through April 2, 2026.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Langan and other executives are charged with authorizing and overseeing the bribes.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
And Fisher believes the situation warrants an even stronger response, under which his team would be authorized to kill wolves that are clearly habituated to hunting and eating only domestic animals.
—Sacbee.com, 18 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 20 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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