Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give official permission or approval for something: To formally allow an action, process, or document to proceed or be valid.
   • To give someone the power or legal right to do something: To delegate authority or empower an individual or entity to act on one's behalf.

Usage

• The verb "authorise" is used when an official body, person in authority, or legal document grants permission or power.
• It is often followed by a noun (e.g., a payment, a project) or an infinitive clause (e.g., ).
• The spelling "authorize" is more common in American English, while "authorise" is standard in British English.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The bank manager must authorise any withdrawal over $10,000.
  • The government authorised the construction of the new highway.
  • I authorise my lawyer to sign the documents on my behalf.

Advanced Usage

• "to authorise someone to do something": To formally empower or permit a person to perform a specific action.
  • The board authorised the CEO to negotiate the merger.
• Passive Voice: Often used in formal or official contexts.
  • The payment has been authorised by head office.

Variants and Related Words

• Authorisation (noun, chiefly British spelling): Official permission or sanction.
  • You need written authorisation to access these files.
• Authorised (adjective): Having official permission.
  • Only authorised personnel may enter.
• Authority (noun): The power or right to give orders or make decisions.
• Authoritative (adjective): Able to be trusted as being accurate or true; commanding and self-confident.

Synonyms

• Approve: To have a favorable opinion of; to consent to.
• Sanction: To give official permission or approval for an action.
• Empower: To give someone the authority or power to do something.
• License: To grant a formal permit to do something.

Antonyms

• Forbid: To refuse to allow something.
• Prohibit: To formally forbid by law, rule, or other authority.
• Veto: To exercise a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

(Note: "Authorise" itself does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The related actions are typically expressed with prepositions like "for" or "to".) - To authorise for: To give permission for a specific purpose. - The funds were authorised for research and development.

Idioms / Common Phrases

• Fully authorised: Having complete and official permission.
  • The agent is fully authorised to act on our behalf.

Verb

1. grant authorization or clearance for
   • Clear the manuscript for publication
   • The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography
2. give or delegate power or authority to
   • She authorized her assistant to sign the papers