authorization

American  

[aw-ther-uh-zey-shuhn] / ˌɔ θər əˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, authorisation

noun

1. the act of authorizing.

2. permission or power granted by an authority; sanction.

3. a legislative act authorizing money to be spent for government programs that specifies a maximum spending level without provision for actual funds.

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Other Word Forms

• deauthorization noun
• misauthorization noun
• preauthorization noun
• reauthorization noun

Etymology

Origin of authorization

First recorded in 1600–10; authorize + -ation

Example Sentences

The TPS program gives provisional work authorization and protections from deportation to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from countries experiencing armed conflicts, natural disasters or epidemics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Bush asked for authorization to go to war as soon as Congress convened, which began an extended and torturous debate.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

The temporary authorization runs until April 11 External link, according to a general license posted by the Treasury department.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced late Thursday that the U.S. is providing a temporary authorization to permit countries to purchase Russian oil that’s stranded.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Laws strictly prohibit citizens from traveling between cities without proper authorization.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Related Words

• approval
• authority
• endorsement
• green light
• sanction
• signature