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.
Impenetrable custody, for example, eliminates all digital input to the storage environment while still enabling institutions to seamlessly create and authorize transactions without ever exposing the private key. Lior Lamesh, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Third, many injunctions are aimed at agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which arguably authorizes nationwide injunctions against agency action. The Editors, National Review, 19 May 2025 Legal experts also question whether Trump can authorize this activity. ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025 Osceola County Commissioners recently authorized tax-exempt bonds totaling $154 million for the two new projects. Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 23 May. 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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