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.
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
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
Condon said a price hasn’t been set, but a real estate expert familiar with the property but not authorized to speak about it publicly said the office and retail portion is worth about $160 million.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
As my colleagues reported last month, the agency aims to make it easier for companies to get authorized to sell products that could be less harmful to smokers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
“You weren’t originally authorized for combat in either case,” says Plutarch, shooting me a look that signals I’m about to reveal too much.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
