entitle

Sometimes in·ti·tle

[en-tahyt-l]

verb (used with object)

entitled, entitling 

1. to give (a person or thing) a title, right, or claim to something; furnish with grounds for laying claim.

   His executive position entitled him to certain courtesies rarely accorded others.

   Synonyms: qualify, authorize

2. to call by a particular title or name.

   What was the book entitled?

3. to designate (a person) by an honorary title.

entitle

/ ɪnˈtaɪtəl /

verb

1. to give (a person) the right to do or have something; qualify; allow

2. to give a name or title to

3. to confer a title of rank or honour upon

Other Word Forms

• preentitle verb (used with object)
• subentitle verb (used with object)
• entitlement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of entitle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English entitlen, from Anglo-French entitler, variant of Middle French entituler, from Late Latin intitulāre; en- ¹, title

Word History and Origins

Origin of entitle¹

C14: from Old French entituler, from Late Latin intitulāre, from Latin titulus _title

Example Sentences

The right of innocent passage remains a cornerstone of maritime law, but stateless vessels technically are not entitled to it.

Read more on BBC

The proclamation that all men are created equal rejects the notion that anyone is entitled to rule.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They have been on the cusp for quite some time, and those fans who loudly booed their team from the Murrayfield pitch will feel entitled to wonder: will that next step ever be taken?

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Refugees in Denmark are entitled to a one-year renewable residency permit, and are encouraged to return home as soon as authorities deem there is no longer a need for a safe haven.

Read more on Barron's

"Commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas," it added.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• allow 
• authorize 
• empower 
• enable 
• permit 
• warrant