authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
Synonyms of authorize

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

Synonyms of authorize

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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.
Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate, the affidavit said, and several months after the initial death investigation, Sguros was legally authorized to release West’s remains to a cremation service business. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 In 2021, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1028, which first permitted public HEIs, with approval from the Florida Department of Education, to authorize charter schools. — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Once a community applies to manage an area, the state can no longer authorize new concessions — such as those for salmon-farming facilities — within it. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 The other, from the City of Dallas, asks voters to authorize $443 million in bonds for public safety projects. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for authorize

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Browse Nearby Words

authorization
authorize
authorized
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Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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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
ˌȯ-thə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce authorize (audio)
noun
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