'authorization' originates from Middle French/Anglo-Norman via Late Latin, ultimately from the verb 'authorizare' (later Latin) and the noun element '-ation'. The root 'auctor' (Latin) meant 'originator' or 'one who increases/creates', and the later verb sense conveyed 'to give authority'.

'authorization' developed from Late Latin 'authorizatio'/'authorizare', passed into Old French as 'autoriser' (verb) and then into Middle English as 'authorise'/'authorization', eventually becoming the modern English 'authorization'.

Originally related to giving authority or making something authoritative ('to make into an author/creator' in a broad sense), it evolved to mean specifically 'granting official permission' or 'providing formal power/permission'.