authorize
AW-thuh-rahyz
/ˈɔːθəraɪz/
To give official permission for or to approve; to give authority to (someone).
Implies a formal or official granting of power, right, or permission, often by a higher authority or system.
The story behind the word. The word 'authorize' comes from the Old French 'auctoriser', which meant 'to give authority to'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'auctor', meaning 'originator, promoter, master, leader'. So, to authorize something is to grant it the backing or power of an 'auctor' or authority.
Word relationships
- approve: To agree to something; can be less formal than 'authorize'.
- permit: To allow something to happen; often implies less official power than 'authorize'.
- sanction: Can mean to give official permission or to impose a penalty, depending on context.
- forbid: To refuse to allow something.
- prohibit: To formally or officially prevent something.
Commonly confused with
- enable: 'Enable' means to make something possible; 'authorize' means to give official permission for it to happen.
Word family
- authorization (noun): The action of authorizing; official permission.
- authority (noun): The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Collocations
- authorize payment
- authorize a refund
- authorize access
- duly authorized
- authorize funds
Example sentences
- "The bank needs to authorize this large transfer before it can be completed." In a financial context.
- "Only the store manager can authorize a refund without a receipt." A manager's role.
- "Your security credentials will authorize your access to the restricted area." Access control.
Memory hook
An AUTHOR writes a book, giving it its original AUTHORity. To AUTHORIZE is to give something official AUTHORITY. Grant authority
When not to use
Avoid using 'authorize' for simple permission requests among friends; 'allow' or 'permit' are more appropriate in informal contexts.
Fun facts
- In legal contexts, 'authorization' is a critical concept, determining whether an action or agreement is legally binding.
Related words
Explore more words
give permission, solemnize, endorse, approbation, ratify, prescribe
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