Word
authorize
Phoneticsau·tho·rize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɔθɝˌaɪz/
UK spelling · authorise
Definition
v. to give official permission for something to happen. You use this when someone in charge says 'yes' to a plan or a payment.
v. to grant official permission for or formal sanction to an action. Transitive — requires a direct object, often a person or a specific procedure.
Examples
“The manager must authorize your travel expenses.”
“The bank refused to authorize the transaction because the account holder had not provided a valid signature.”
“Only the chief executive is empowered to authorize expenditures exceeding the department's quarterly budget, ensuring a centralized layer of fiscal oversight for all major projects.”
Examples
simple
“The manager must authorize your travel expenses.”
contextual
“The bank refused to authorize the transaction because the account holder had not provided a valid signature.”
complex
“Only the chief executive is empowered to authorize expenditures exceeding the department's quarterly budget, ensuring a centralized layer of fiscal oversight for all major projects.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “authorize” in context.
Verb
01. authorize the bank to transfer funds
“I have signed the document to authorize the bank to transfer funds to your account.”
verb + noun + infinitive
02. authorize the expenditure
“The board of directors met yesterday to authorize the expenditure for the new research facility.”
verb + noun
03. authorize the use of force
“The UN Security Council voted to authorize the use of force to protect civilians in the region.”
verb + noun
Noun
04. legislation to authorize the project
“The government is drafting new legislation to authorize the project despite environmental concerns.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
05. duly authorize the representative
“The document was signed by a duly authorized representative of the corporation.”
adv + verb
06. expressly authorize the disclosure
“The patient must expressly authorize the disclosure of their medical records to third parties.”
adv + verb
07. specifically authorize the payment
“The contract does not specifically authorize the payment of overtime for weekend work.”
adv + verb
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In British English, the spelling 'authorise' is more common.
Pitfall
The boss authorized to start the project
The boss authorized the project
Authorize is transitive and requires a direct object (a noun or noun phrase), not an infinitive clause.
Real-World Examples
“The new law directs federal officials to issue guidance for these buildings and authorizes grants to test their safety and cost.” “It’s another matter to prove whether you did or did not authorize the agent to do what it did on your behalf.” Etymology
From Middle English auctorisen, from Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctorizare, from Latin auctor. See author about the orthography with ⟨h⟩. Doublet of octroy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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