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

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

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 role of pharmacists — and whether they’re considered “healthcare professionals” who can authorize administration of the vaccine — also remains murky.

From Los Angeles Times

County Sheriff’s Department is blocking access to some shootings by deputies, despite state laws that authorize them to conduct meaningful investigations.

From Los Angeles Times

The council’s action, on a 14-1 vote, doesn’t authorize the massive renovation, but it shows that the council is firmly behind the effort to overhaul the downtown structure.

From Los Angeles Times

While he did not order the immediate withdrawal of the roughly 300 troops who remain in Los Angeles, he barred them from engaging in policing duties unless Congress explicitly authorizes it.

From Salon

Whether your state considers pharmacists “healthcare providers” — and how much latitude those pharmacists have to authorize the shots “off-label” — are key.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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