authorise
|au-tho-rise|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːθəˌraɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːθə.raɪz/
capable of being given official permission
Etymology
'authorise' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'autoriser', where 'auctor/autor' (from Latin 'auctor') meant 'originator; author'.
'authorise' changed from Latin forms (related to 'auctor') into Old French 'autoriser', passed into Middle English as 'authorisen', and eventually became the modern English 'authorise'.
Initially connected with the idea of being an 'originator' or 'creator', it evolved to mean 'to give official permission' or 'to delegate authority' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to give official permission for something; to approve or permit.
The board authorised the new safety procedures.
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Verb 2
to give someone the power or right to do something; to delegate authority.
She was authorised to sign contracts on behalf of the company.
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Adjective 1
used (esp. as a past participle) to describe someone or something that has been given official permission or approval.
Only authorised personnel may enter the lab.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 05:50