authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
President Trump on Monday night signed an executive order authorizing the U.S. military to draft a plan for sending troops to the southern border. Brad Dress, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 The Capitol Rotunda is smaller — coming in at just over 7,000 square feet — and can only fit around 750 people, according to a source familiar with the planning who was not authorized to disclose the matter. Luke Garrett, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025 What To Know Russia's decreasing use of artillery ammunition follows an increase in the number of long-range strikes into Russian territory by Kyiv's armed forces after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to utilize U.S.-built long-range weapons. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 This means that no single custodian can authorize transactions on its own, because a quorum of keys (for example, 2 out of 3) is required to move funds. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for authorize 

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

Dictionary Entries Near authorize

Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

authorize

verb
au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
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 How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
authorization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authorize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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