authorize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to grant authorization or clearance for

   I authorized the new technician to enter our data center.

2. 2
   verb

   to give or delegate power or authority to

   I authorized my assistant to sign the papers.

3. 3
   verb

   To grant (someone) the permission or power necessary to do (something); to permit; to sanction or consent to.

   The General Assembly authorized the Council to take up the matter.

Etymology

From Middle English auctorisen, from Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, from Latin auctor. See author about the orthography with ⟨h⟩. Doublet of octroy.