authorize-v; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: sanction or approve something

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent] AUTHORIZE NP2[patient[abstract]]

Examples:
The film star did not authorize this biography of her life.
The principal couldn't authorize that sort of behavior at school.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: authorize.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: empower or delegate authority to someone

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[agent] AUTHORIZE NP2[patient[human] PP[attribute] NP1[agent] AUTHORIZE NP2[patient[human] [goal]

Examples:
She authorized John to sign checks for our club.
Can you authorize anyone you choose to carry out your written will?
They have authorized Congress to investigate this.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: authorize.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2