authorize
AW-thuh-rayz
/ˈɔːθəraɪz/
To give official permission for or approval to an undertaking or agent.
Focuses on the delegation of power, granting legal or official clearance for someone else to act.
The story behind the word. From the Medieval Latin 'auctorizare', which comes from 'auctor' (meaning originator, promoter, or creator). It shares its origin with the word 'author'—to authorize is literally to act as the 'author' of someone else's power, giving them the right to act.
Word relationships
- approve: 'Approve' is to agree with or accept something, while 'authorize' is to formally and legally empower someone to do it.
- sanction: 'Sanction' can mean to give official permission, but it can also mean to impose a penalty, making 'authorize' much more straightforward.
- forbid: 'Forbid' is to refuse to allow something, while 'authorize' is to officially permit it.
- ban: 'Ban' is to officially prohibit an action or item.
Commonly confused with
- authenticate: 'Authenticate' means to prove that something is genuine, while 'authorize' means to give official permission.
Word family
- authorization (noun): Official permission or power to do something.
- authority (noun): The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Collocations
- authorize a transaction
- authorize access
- authorized personnel
- authorize funding
Example sentences
- "You must enter your password to authorize the transfer of funds to the external account." A financial transaction security protocol.
- "Congress voted to authorize the use of military force in the region." A government policy on military action.
Memory hook
An 'author' has the 'authority' to 'authorize' who can read their book. Be the author of permission.
When not to use
Do not use when describing personal, informal permission (e.g., 'My mom authorized me to eat a cookie').
Fun facts
- Because 'author' and 'authorize' share a root, the concept of 'authority' is deeply tied to the act of creation; a creator naturally has the right to rule over their creation.
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