authorization

American

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

especially British, authorisation

noun

the act of authorizing.
permission or power granted by an authority; sanction.
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

deauthorization noun
misauthorization noun
preauthorization noun
reauthorization noun

Etymology

Origin of authorization

First recorded in 1600–10; authorize + -ation

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 judge ordered the administration to reinstate the legal status and work authorization of those remaining.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Intuit had $3.5 billion remaining under its current buyback authorization at the end of its fiscal 2026 second quarter that ended Jan. 31, the company said.

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

His government created a new network of detention centers for traders who traveled without authorization.

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023