authorize
AW-thuh-ryz
Authorize (verb) means to give someone official permission or power to do something. Example: “The board authorized the company to proceed with the merger.”
verb
1
To give someone official permission or power to do something.
"The board authorized the company to proceed with the merger."
"Only the manager can authorize refunds over £100."
How to use authorize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially permit or empower someone to do something.
UK vs US
Spelled "authorise" in UK English, "authorize" in US English.
Common pairings
authorize a payment
authorize access
authorize the use of
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- authorizes
- Past tense
- authorized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The board _____ the company to proceed with the merger.
Etymology
From Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, from Latin auctor.
Related words
Rhymes for authorize
See all rhymes for authorize →Frequently asked questions
What does “authorize” mean?
The word “authorize” means to give someone official permission or power to do something. In plain terms, to officially permit or empower someone to do something.
How do you pronounce “authorize”?
“Authorize” is pronounced AW-thuh-ryz (/ˈɔθəɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “authorize” in a sentence?
Here is “authorize” used in a sentence: “The board authorized the company to proceed with the merger.”
What part of speech is “authorize”?
“Authorize” is a verb.
Where does the word “authorize” come from?
The word “authorize” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, from Latin auctor.
Is “authorize” a common word?
“Authorize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
