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
Synonyms
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
Unity Bancorp authorized a new repurchase plan for up to 500,000 shares.
—
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
That would authorize him to detain and deport noncitizens in the United States older than 14.
—Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
The sensor uses your encrypted fingerprint to unlock your Mac; authorize Apple Pay transactions; authorize downloads from the iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books; and autofill passwords, among other functions.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Voters last authorized funding through a ballot measure in 1998, which extended the authorization through 2025.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize 
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Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
That would authorize him to detain and deport noncitizens in the United States older than 14.
—Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
The sensor uses your encrypted fingerprint to unlock your Mac; authorize Apple Pay transactions; authorize downloads from the iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books; and autofill passwords, among other functions.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Voters last authorized funding through a ballot measure in 1998, which extended the authorization through 2025.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize
Dictionary Entries Near authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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