Authorize
/ˈɔːθəraɪz/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To give someone the right or power to do something.
/ˈɔːθəraɪz/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To give official permission or power to someone or something.
The bank authorized the transfer of funds.
💡 Simply: To allow or permit officially.
More Examples
2
The government authorized the use of force.
How It's Used
Legal
"The manager authorized the purchase of new software."
Business
"The board authorized the merger."
Idioms & expressions
authorize payment
To officially approve a payment.
"The company authorized payment for the invoice."
From Middle French autoriser, from Latin auctor 'author, originator' + -ize.
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent since its introduction, primarily in formal contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'author' – someone who creates or gives permission.
Practice
Base: author
authoriseautherizeauhorize
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written