Authorize

Definition

Authorize means to give official permission or approval for something or to empower someone with the right to act in a specified way. It is commonly used in legal, administrative, and business contexts to denote granting authority or rights.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːθəraɪz/
• Respelling: AW-thuh-rahyz

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːθəraɪz/
• Respelling: AW-thuh-rahyz

Etymology

The word "authorize" originates from the Old French "autoriser," meaning "to sanction" or "confirm," which itself is derived from the Latin "auctorizare." This Latin root is based on "auctor," meaning "author" or "creator," symbolizing the granting of power or rights.

Derivatives

• Authorization (noun)
• Authorized (adjective)
• Authorizing (verb)
• Authorizer (noun)
• Unauthorized (adjective)

Synonyms

• Empower
• Permit
• Approve

Antonyms

• Forbid
• Deny
• Disallow

Usage

The verb "authorize" is widely used to indicate formal approval or permission. It is common in contexts where individuals or organizations are given the right to take specific actions. For example, "The manager is authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the company." It may also be used to describe approval by a legal or governing body, such as "The government authorized the use of funds for public projects."

Related Terms

• Permission: Consent or authorization to do something.
• Approval: The action of accepting something as satisfactory or meeting requirements.
• Delegation: The act of empowering someone with the authority to act on behalf of another.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To grant official permission or approval: Refers to the act of giving someone the legal right or authority to do something.
  • Example: "The bank authorized the transfer of funds."
• To empower someone to take specific actions: Indicates the act of entrusting a person or group with rights or duties.
  • Example: "The director authorized the team to proceed with the project."