authorized
AmericanOther Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of authorized
Explanation
Something that's authorized is officially approved. If the principal of your school has given you the go-ahead to throw a Hawaiian-themed party, you can call it an authorized luau. The adjective authorized comes from the verb authorize, which means "give formal approval or sanction to." Both words go back to the Latin root auctor, "authority." So when an authority grants her approval or permission to do something, it becomes authorized. You'll need an authorized passport if you want to travel to a foreign country.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Controllers, members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, were slated to get a pay raise of 3.8% under a law that authorized the bump.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The European Central Bank has authorized the takeover of Germany's Commerzbank AG by UniCredit, the Italian bank said Thursday, calling it an "important milestone" that underscored confidence in its bid.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
They must prove they are authorized during every connection.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant authorized by a federal judge, according to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026
“I’ll just need some ID to make sure you’re authorized to open it.”
From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson
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