authorize

especially British, au·thor·ise

[aw-thuh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

authorized, authorizing 

1. to give authority or official power to; empower.

   to authorize an employee to sign purchase orders.

2. to give authority for; formally sanction (an act or proceeding).

   Congress authorized the new tax on tobacco.

3. to establish by authority or usage.

   an arrangement long authorized by etiquette books.

4. to afford a ground for; warrant; justify.

authorize

/ ˈɔːθəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to confer authority upon (someone to do something); empower

2. to permit (someone to do or be something) with official sanction

   a dealer authorized by a manufacturer to retail his products

Other Word Forms

• authorizable adjective
• authorizer noun
• deauthorize verb (used with object)
• misauthorize verb (used with object)
• preauthorize verb (used with object)
• reauthorize verb (used with object)
• self-authorizing adjective
• authorization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of authorize¹

1350–1400; earlier auctorize < Medieval Latin auctōrizāre; replacing Middle English autorisen < Middle French autoriser < Medieval Latin See author, -ize

Example Sentences

The decision essentially puts OpenAI on notice that it’s not authorizing the company to use their clients’ likenesses or images in the latest update of the video-sharing app.

From Los Angeles Times

That began to change after 1913 when the 16th Amendment was adopted to authorize “taxes on incomes.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Defendants apparently believe that the June 7 memorandum — issued in response to events in Los Angeles — indefinitely authorizes the deployment of National Guard troops anywhere in the country, for virtually any reason,” Hu wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary."

From BBC

Comey is accused of lying about authorizing a leak to the media about an FBI investigation through an anonymous source.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approve 
• confirm 
• endorse 
• license 
• ratify 
• sanction 
• warrant