authorize

authorize — verb

1. to formally allow an action to take place, or to give a person or group the righ

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to formally allow an action to take place, or to give a person or group the right to do something on behalf of an organization, government, or law.

例句

The Mayor authorized the new bridge project after the city council voted in favor.

authorize + noun (action or project)

Dr. Vesna authorized the nurses to give the medicine without asking him first.

authorize + somebody + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • approve

    more general; means a check has been passed, not always granting power to act

  • permit

    formal; focuses on allowing an action rather than granting authority to a person

  • sanction

    very formal; often used for actions allowed under rules, treaties, or law

  • empower

    stresses giving someone the legal right or ability to do something

反義詞
  • forbid

    direct opposite for actions; an official source refuses permission

  • ban

    stronger; officially blocks an activity altogether

  • prohibit

    formal; written rules or laws stop something from happening

文法句型

authorize + noun

authorize + somebody + to-infinitive

be authorized to + infinitive

用法筆記

Subject is usually an institution or person in a position of power (a court, a board, a manager, a parent). Frequently passive when the focus is on who is permitted rather than who gave the permission. Distinguish from 'allow', which is everyday and does not imply an official source of power.

常見錯誤

❌My friend authorized me to borrow his bike.
✅My friend let me borrow his bike.
💡'authorize' needs an official source of power; for casual permission between friends, use 'let' or 'allow'.
❌The manager authorized that we leave early.
✅The manager authorized us to leave early.
💡use 'authorize + somebody + to-infinitive', not a that-clause.