verb
authorize
AW-thuh-ryz
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
Word Forms
authorized past tense, authorizes singular
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The board _____ the company to proceed with the merger.
Etymology
From Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, from Latin auctor.