authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
Synonyms of authorizenext

transitive verb

1
: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)
a custom authorized by time
2
: to invest especially with legal authority : empower
He is authorized to act for his father.
3
archaic : justify sense 1a
authorizer noun

Synonyms of authorize

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Examples of authorize in a Sentence

The city council authorized the sale of the land. Who authorized the transfer of the funds?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shots were extensively tested for safety before they were authorized for emergency use, with the FDA requiring at least two months of follow-up safety data after vaccinating trial participants. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 The other would direct lawmakers to repeal the state’s individual income tax while authorizing a state sales tax expansion. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The bill would authorize the president to sanction Russian officials and impose steep tariffs on countries such as China and India in an effort to curb their purchases of Russian oil and gas. — Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The sources were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorize

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisen, autorisen, borrowed from Anglo-French auctorizer, autorizer, borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, auctōrisāre, from Latin auctōr-, auctor "originator, creator, authority" + Late Latin -izāre -ize — more at author entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of authorize was in the 14th century

Rhymes for authorize

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Browse Nearby Words

authorization
authorize
authorized
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Cite this Entry

“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

authorize

verb
au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give authority to
2
: to give legal or official approval to
authorization
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
noun
authorizer
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
noun

Legal Definition

authorize

transitive verb
au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz How to pronounce authorize (audio)
authorized; authorizing
1
: to give permission to
2
: to give authority to act to
authorization
ˌȯ-thə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce authorize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authorize

Nglish: Translation of authorize for Spanish Speakers

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