authorization
Americannoun
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the act of authorizing.
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a legislative act authorizing money to be spent for government programs that specifies a maximum spending level without provision for actual funds.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of authorization
Explanation
Authorization is an official form of approval for something. You'll probably need to get authorization from the owner of a coffee shop before you hang your oil paintings on the walls. People in control are known as authorities, and their official okay, or authorization, gives you the ability to do something. The authorization of a loan means the bank grants the loan. Authorization can also refer to someone's power — if you are able to fire people, you have the authorization to do so. At the root of authorization is the verb authorize, which comes from the Latin auctor, "master or leader," or "one who causes to grow."
Vocabulary lists containing authorization
The Other Side
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for September 18–September 24, 2021
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"CLEP Financial Accounting," Vocabulary from Chapter 8
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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.
UnitedHealthcare said it is conducting a rigorous and data-driven review of all pediatric prior authorization requirements in order to determine which services can be safely removed.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
In Brazil, it’s illegal to possess a wild animal without authorization from the government.
From Slate • May 27, 2026
The moment he got his employment authorization, he announced a plan to take a job in Florida as a long-haul truck driver.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Though the buyback authorization was disappointing to some, to Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial, the shareholder returns were “not generosity,” but “a confession.”
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
“I am Natalie Mayhew, and in an emergency situation like this, that is all the authorization you need,” Natalie finished.
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
