English Reference
adjective · verb

authorized

adj. · v.
US /ˈɔθɝˌaɪzd/ au·tho·rized UK spelling authorised

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    adj.having official permission to do something or to be in a certain place.

    adj.having official sanction or legal permission; often used to describe personnel, documents, or access rights.

    Simple

    Only authorized staff are allowed to enter the laboratory after hours.

    In context

    The security guard refused entry to the visitor, noting that only authorized personnel with valid identification were permitted beyond the lobby.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.the past tense of 'authorize', meaning you gave official permission for something to happen.

    v.the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'authorize', meaning to grant official power or permission.

    Simple

    The manager authorized the payment for the new office equipment yesterday.

    In context

    The board of directors authorized the merger after reviewing the final financial reports and legal recommendations.

    Usage

    As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object, often an action or a financial transaction.

An AI agent spent your money – can anyone prove you authorized it?

The Conversation· 13 Aug 2026

Vaccine trials have been authorised in Canada and the UK, though results are likely several months away.

UN News· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated