Authorization: meaning, definitions and examples

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authorization

[ˌɔːθəraɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security

The action or process of officially allowing someone to do or have something.

Synonyms

approval, consent, permission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
authorization	Formal and official contexts where someone is given the legal or official power to do something. The manager gave authorization to access the secure files To enter the restricted area, you need an official authorization
permission	Everyday situations where one is allowed to do something by someone in a position of authority or with the right to allow it. He asked for permission to leave early You need permission to use the equipment in the lab
approval	Situations where agreement or acceptance is given, usually after an evaluation or consideration. She received approval from her supervisor for the project The board gave their approval to the new policy
consent	Scenarios where voluntary agreement is required, often related to personal rights or sensitive situations. The patient gave consent for the surgery You need consent from your parents to go on the trip

Examples of usage

The authorization to access the confidential information was only granted to a select group of employees.
You will need proper authorization to enter the restricted area.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

law

The official permission for something to happen, or the act of giving someone permission for something.

Synonyms

approval, permission, sanction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
authorization	Used in formal or official scenarios where an official approval is needed. It is often found in legal, financial, or bureaucratic contexts. She received authorization from the bank to access her account. The project cannot proceed without the proper authorization.
permission	Commonly used in everyday situations where someone is allowed to do something. It often implies that there is someone in a position of authority granting this allowance. She needed her teacher's permission to leave the classroom. You have my permission to use my car while I'm away.
approval	Used in both formal and informal scenarios where someone's agreement or favorable opinion is required. It can be personal, like getting a parent's or friend's approval, or professional, like getting a manager's approval. His parents gave their approval for him to go on the trip. The project is awaiting managerial approval.
sanction	Used in formal contexts to indicate either official approval or disapproval. When it indicates approval, it often relates to policies or actions. It can also have a negative connotation when it refers to punitive measures taken against individuals or countries. The government imposed sanctions on the company for violating regulations. The aid was sanctioned by the international community.

Examples of usage

The authorization for the construction of the new building was granted by the city council.
The authorization to use the copyrighted material was obtained through legal channels.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

technology

A process by which a user or system is given access to certain resources or functionalities.

Synonyms

access, clearance, permission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
authorization	Used in formal settings when someone needs official approval or confirmation to do something. The employee cannot make large purchases without higher management's authorization
permission	Typically involves getting someone’s consent or approval for a specific action, often with a more personal or casual connotation. She asked for permission to leave early from work to attend a family event
access	Can refer to the ability to enter, approach, or use something, often connected with physical or digital locations. Only team members have access to the project's source code repository
clearance	Commonly used in contexts related to security, where someone is given permission to access classified or restricted information. You need security clearance to enter the confidential documents room

Examples of usage

The user must provide proper authorization to log in to the system.
The security system requires authorization before granting access to the network.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'auctor', meaning 'creator or promoter'.
It entered English in the early 19th century, stemming from the word 'authorize'.
It combines 'author' (one who creates) and the suffix '-ization', indicating the process of making or becoming.

Law

Authorization is vital in legal contexts, often determining who can sign contracts or make decisions.
In some cases, it can involve consent forms that allow access to personal information or medical records.
Unauthorized actions can lead to legal penalties, highlighting the importance of proper approval.

Technology

In computer security, authorization defines what resources a user can access after they’ve been authenticated.
Systems like OAuth enable users to authorize third-party applications to access their data without sharing passwords.
Web services often require authorization tokens to ensure data protection and user privacy.

Business

Businesses use authorization processes to manage access to sensitive information among employees.
Electronic signatures have made authorizing documents faster and more efficient in global transactions.
Authorization is often part of a larger compliance strategy to protect company assets and data.

Education

In educational settings, authorization might be needed to grant access to certain online resources or databases.
Teachers often have to get authorization from parents before sharing students' work publicly.
Research involving human subjects requires authorization from ethical boards to ensure proper conduct.

Translations

Translations of the word "authorization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autorização

🇮🇳 प्राधिकरण

🇩🇪 Genehmigung

🇮🇩 otorisasi

🇺🇦 авторизація

🇵🇱 autoryzacja

🇯🇵 認可 (にんか)

🇫🇷 autorisation

🇪🇸 autorización

🇹🇷 yetkilendirme

🇰🇷 허가 (heoga)

🇸🇦 تفويض

🇨🇿 autorizace

🇸🇰 autorizácia

🇨🇳 授权 (shòuquán)

🇸🇮 avtorizacija

🇮🇸 heimild

🇰🇿 рұқсат

🇬🇪 აუთორიზაცია

🇦🇿 icazə

🇲🇽 autorización

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,758, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4755 pulmonary
4756 crowded
4757 rope
4758 authorization
4759 aggressive
4760 utilities
4761 diminished
...