authorize
gb/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz/ us/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 2500
engedélyez, jóváhagy, felhatalmaz, megbíz
VERB
B1
1
engedélyez
B1
jóváhagy
B2
Usage pattern:
to authorize [someone/something] to [do something]
The manager authorized the refund after reviewing the complaint.
A vezető a panasz átnézése után engedélyezte a visszatérítést.
Only the director can authorize such a large expenditure.
Csak az igazgató hagyhat jóvá ekkora kiadást.
The teacher authorized the student to leave early for the appointment.
Learner examples
My boss authorized me to take a day off.
A főnököm engedélyezte, hogy kivegyek egy nap szabadságot.
The bank authorized the payment.
A bank engedélyezte a fizetést.
She authorized her friend to use her car.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'authorize' with 'advise' because they sound similar, but 'authorize' means to give permission, not to give advice.
Meaning
Give official permission
Collocations
authorize payment
|authorize access
|authorize release
|authorize use
|authorize transaction
Synonyms
permit (Slightly less formal; used in both casual and formal contexts.)
|
approve (Emphasizes agreement or acceptance rather than granting power.)
Antonyms
forbid (Directly prohibits an action instead of allowing it.)
|
deny (Refuses permission or approval.)
Themes
law
|business
|government
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say it is okay for something to happen in an official way.
To give formal or official approval for something to happen or be done.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
2
felhatalmaz
B2
megbíz
B2
Usage pattern:
to authorize [someone] as [role/responsibility]
The board authorized her as the official spokesperson.
Az igazgatótanács felhatalmazta őt, hogy hivatalos szóvivőként járjon el.
The treaty authorizes inspectors to enter any facility without notice.
A szerződés felhatalmazza az ellenőröket, hogy előzetes értesítés nélkül belépjenek bármely létesítménybe.
He was authorized to negotiate on behalf of the company.
Learner examples
The school authorized him as team leader.
Az iskola felhatalmazta, hogy csapatvezetőként járjon el.
The manager authorized me to speak for the group.
A vezető felhatalmazott, hogy a csoport nevében beszéljek.
They authorized her to sign the papers.
Meaning
Grant power to act
Collocations
authorize representative
|authorize agent
|authorize delegate
Synonyms
empower (Emphasizes giving someone the ability and confidence, not just legal right.)
|
commission (Often used for assigning formal duties or missions.)
Antonyms
disqualify (Removes someone's right or ability to act in a role.)
Themes
law
|government
|business
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To officially give someone the right to do something.
To officially give someone the power or right to carry out a specific action or duty.
Grammar
Dictionary form
authorize
IPA
GB/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz/
US/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
au - thor - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (au)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: authorize
- 3rd Person Singular: authorizes
- Present Participle: authorizing
- Past: authorized
Word family
Forms
authorizes
verb
authorizing
verb
authorized
verb
Core family
authorization
noun B2
Related words
authority
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
unauthorized
adjective B2
deauthorize
verb
Advanced or less common
authoritative
adjective B2
Expressions
authorize access
1/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz ˈæksˌɛs/
fixed phrase
Approve entry or use rights
To officially allow someone to enter a place or use something.
Examples
- Only the IT manager can authorize access to the server room.
- He authorized access for the research team.
authorize payment
1/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz pˈeɪmənt/
fixed phrase
Approve a money transfer
To officially allow money to be sent from an account.
Examples
- The bank needs you to sign in order to authorize payment.
- She authorized payment for the invoice yesterday.
authorize release
1/ˈɔθɚˌaɪz ɹilˈis/
fixed phrase
formal
Approve making public or distributing
To officially allow information or things to be shared with others.
Examples
- The police chief authorized the release of the suspect's photo.
- The doctor authorized the release of the patient’s records.