What does authorised mean?
Authorised describes something or someone that has been given official permission, approval, or sanction by a legitimate authority. It appears most often in formal and institutional contexts: only an authorised technician may repair the equipment, and only an authorised representative may sign on a company's behalf. The word carries connotations of legitimacy and official backing — an authorised action stands above mere private permission because it traces back to a recognised governing body, law, or office. It also has a historical literary sense: the 'Authorized Version' is the formal name of the King James Bible of 1611, commissioned under royal authority. The spelling with -s- is standard in British English, while American English writes it as 'authorized'. Related forms include the verbs authorise and the noun authorisation. Because so much modern life depends on who is permitted to act, this word remains essential vocabulary in law, business, security, and everyday signage.
adjectiveHaving official permission or approval to do something; empowered or sanctioned by a recognized authority.
- Given official permission, approval, or sanction by a person or body in authority.
- (Of an edition, translation, or publication) issued with official endorsement or approval.
"Only authorised personnel are permitted beyond this point."
"You must present identification at the gate before an authorised officer will let you through."
"The company's authorised signatories must co-sign any contract exceeding fifty thousand pounds."
The King James Bible's official name was the 'Authorized Version' — making it arguably the most famous authorised thing in the English language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of authorised
Authorised derives from the verb authorise, which entered English in the late Middle Ages via Old French 'autoriser', rooted in the Latin noun 'auctor' meaning originator or promoter, itself formed from the verb 'augere' (to increase). The past-participial adjective came to denote actions or persons backed by official power. Its Latin root also yields cognates such as authority, authoritative, and augment.
Related word forms
How authorised is actually used
Predominantly formal or official in register, appearing in signage, legal documents, and institutional language. The spelling with -s- marks British English; American publications use 'authorized'. In attributive use it frequently precedes nouns denoting people or roles ('authorised personnel', 'authorised agent').
Easily confused with authorised
'Authorized' is simply the American spelling of the same word; both mean officially approved, with '-ised' preferred in British English.