Top 35 Slang For Authorize – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to giving permission or granting access, the world of slang has its own unique way of expressing the concept of “authorize.” Join us as we uncover the coolest and most current slang terms used to convey the act of granting approval or permission in various social settings. Stay ahead of the curve and impress your friends with this handy list of trendy slang for authorize.

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1. Greenlight

To “greenlight” something means to give it the go-ahead or approval. It is often used in the context of granting authorization for a project or idea to proceed.

For example, a movie studio might greenlight a new film project after reviewing the script and budget.
In a business setting, a manager might say, “I greenlighted the new marketing campaign.”
A team leader might ask, “Did we get the greenlight to start working on the project?”

2. Rubber stamp

To “rubber stamp” something means to approve or authorize it without much consideration or scrutiny. It implies a lack of thorough examination or critical evaluation.

For instance, a government agency might be accused of rubber stamping permits without properly reviewing the applications.
In a corporate setting, a manager might comment, “The committee just rubber stamped the proposal without even reading it.”
A critic might say, “The board’s decision was nothing more than a rubber stamping of the CEO’s recommendation.”

3. Clear

To “clear” something means to give it the necessary permission or authorization for it to proceed. It is often used in the context of granting official approval or clearance.

For example, a security guard might clear a visitor to enter a restricted area after verifying their identification.
In a legal context, a judge might clear a document for submission as evidence in a trial.
A supervisor might say, “I’ll clear your request for overtime if it’s absolutely necessary.”

4. OK

To “OK” something means to give it consent or approval. It is a widely recognized slang term for authorizing or giving the go-ahead for something.

For instance, a manager might OK a purchase order after reviewing the details and confirming its necessity.
In a casual conversation, someone might say, “I’ll OK your request as long as it doesn’t exceed the budget.”
A team leader might ask, “Did you get the OK from the client to proceed with the changes?”

5. Validate

To “validate” something means to confirm or approve it as legitimate or acceptable. It implies that the necessary criteria or requirements have been met.

For example, a bank might validate a customer’s identity before allowing them to access their account.
In a software development context, a programmer might validate user input to ensure it meets the expected format.
A supervisor might say, “Please validate the data before submitting the report.”

6. Sign off

When someone “signs off” on something, it means they give their approval or permission for it to proceed. This term is often used in a professional or bureaucratic context.

For example, a manager might say, “I need to sign off on this proposal before it can be implemented.”
In a meeting, someone might ask, “Has the legal department signed off on the contract yet?”
A project manager might say, “Once the client signs off on the design, we can start production.”

7. Sanction

To “sanction” something means to give official permission or approval for it. This term can also refer to penalties or punitive measures imposed by a governing body.

For instance, a government might sanction a trade agreement between two countries.
In a sports context, a player might receive a sanction for unsportsmanlike behavior.
A company might impose sanctions on an employee for violating company policies.

8. Seal of approval

When something has the “seal of approval,” it means it has been officially endorsed or confirmed as satisfactory or of high quality. This term is often used figuratively.

For example, a product might have a sticker that says “Seal of Approval” to indicate it meets certain standards.
A movie critic might give a film their seal of approval by giving it a positive review.
A parent might say, “I won’t let my child watch a movie unless it has the seal of approval from a trusted organization.”

9. Thumbs up

Giving a “thumbs up” is a gesture that indicates positive indication or approval. It is commonly used to express agreement or satisfaction.

For instance, someone might give a thumbs up to show they like a post on social media.
In a conversation, someone might say, “I give this idea a thumbs up. Let’s move forward with it.”
A teacher might give a student a thumbs up to acknowledge their good work.

10. Green flag

A “green flag” is a signal or indication to proceed or start something. It is often used in the context of giving permission or approval.

For example, in a race, the waving of a green flag indicates the start of the competition.
In a meeting, someone might say, “Once we get the green flag from management, we can begin the project.”
A supervisor might give a team the green flag to implement a new process.

11. Say the word

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has given permission or approval for something to happen.

For example, “If you want to go on the trip, just say the word and I’ll book your ticket.”
In a business setting, a manager might say, “If you need to make any changes to the project, just say the word and we’ll make it happen.”
A parent might tell their child, “If you want to have a sleepover, just say the word and we’ll invite your friends.”

12. Give the nod

To “give the nod” means to show approval or agreement with something or someone.

For instance, “The boss gave the nod to proceed with the new marketing campaign.”
In a group discussion, one person might give the nod to another’s idea by saying, “I think that’s a great suggestion.”
A coach might give the nod to a player by selecting them to start in an important game.

13. Stamp of approval

When something receives a “stamp of approval,” it means that it has been officially endorsed or authorized.

For example, “The new product has received the stamp of approval from industry experts.”
A teacher might give a student’s project a stamp of approval by saying, “This is excellent work.”
A government agency might give a stamp of approval to a new construction project after conducting thorough inspections.

14. Give the green light

To “give the green light” means to authorize or permit something to proceed.

For instance, “The board of directors gave the green light for the new product launch.”
A parent might give the green light for their child to attend a party by saying, “You can go, but be home by midnight.”
A manager might give the green light for an employee to take a vacation by saying, “You’ve worked hard, go ahead and book your time off.”

15. Give the go-ahead

To “give the go-ahead” means to provide permission or authorization to proceed with a plan or action.

For example, “The project can start now that the boss has given the go-ahead.”
In a team meeting, one person might say, “I need the go-ahead from the client before I can finalize the design.”
A coach might give the go-ahead for a player to attempt a risky play by saying, “If you see the opportunity, go for it.”

16. Give the all-clear

This phrase is used to indicate that something is approved or allowed to proceed. It is often used in situations where a decision needs to be made or when someone is waiting for authorization.

For example, a supervisor might say, “I’ve reviewed the project and I give the all-clear to move forward.”
In a military context, a commanding officer might give the all-clear for a mission to begin.
A teacher might give the all-clear for students to start their exams.

17. Give the nod of approval

This phrase is used to show agreement or approval of something. It can be used in various contexts, such as in a formal setting or in casual conversation.

For instance, a boss might give an employee the nod of approval after a job well done.
In a group discussion, someone might give the nod of approval to a proposed idea.
A parent might give their child the nod of approval for making a responsible decision.

18. Give the green flag

This phrase is often used in sports or racing to indicate that someone has been given permission to start or continue a race or competition. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate permission to proceed with a plan or action.

For example, a race official might give the green flag to start a race.
In a business context, a manager might give the green flag for a new project to begin.
A teacher might give a student the green flag to start a presentation.

19. Give the stamp of approval

This phrase is used to indicate that something has been officially approved or endorsed. It can be used in various contexts, such as in business, art, or personal relationships.

For instance, a reviewer might give a movie the stamp of approval by writing a positive review.
In a business setting, a manager might give a project the stamp of approval after reviewing it.
A parent might give their child’s choice of career the stamp of approval.

20. Green-light

This term is often used to indicate that something has been authorized or given permission to proceed. It is commonly used in the context of projects, plans, or actions.

For example, a producer might green-light a movie project after reviewing the script.
In a business meeting, a manager might green-light a new marketing campaign.
A teacher might green-light a student’s request to change their class schedule.

21. Approve

This slang term means to give permission or consent to something. It implies that someone in a position of authority has reviewed and agreed to a request or action.

For example, a boss might say, “I approve your vacation request.”
In a team meeting, someone might ask, “Did the manager approve the budget for our project?”
A teacher might tell a student, “I can’t approve your late submission without a valid excuse.”

22. Permit

To permit something means to allow or give permission for it to happen. This slang term is often used to indicate that someone has given the necessary authorization for a specific action or activity.

For instance, a parent might say, “I’ll permit you to go to the party, but be home by midnight.”
A supervisor might inform an employee, “I’m permitting you to work from home tomorrow.”
A security guard might say, “I can’t permit you to enter without a valid ID.”

23. Ratify

To ratify something means to formally approve or confirm it, especially through a legal or official process. This slang term implies that someone has given their final approval or endorsement to a decision or action.

For example, a board of directors might ratify a new company policy.
In a political context, a government might ratify a treaty or agreement.
A judge might ratify a settlement reached between two parties in a legal case.

24. Endorse

To endorse something means to publicly support or approve of it. This slang term suggests that someone with influence or authority is backing a particular person, product, or idea.

For instance, a celebrity might endorse a brand of sneakers.
A politician might endorse a candidate running for office.
A customer might leave a positive review online and say, “I wholeheartedly endorse this product.”

25. Warrant

To warrant something means to justify or give a reason for it. In slang terms, “warrant” is often used to indicate that someone has given their approval or authorization for a specific action or decision.

For example, a supervisor might say, “Your hard work warrants a promotion.”
A teacher might tell a student, “Your excellent performance warrants an extension on the deadline.”
A manager might say, “The circumstances warrant a change in our strategy.”

26. Bless

To “bless” something means to give it approval or permission. It can also imply support or endorsement.

For example, “I’ll bless your request to take the day off.”
In a discussion about a new business idea, someone might say, “I think our boss will bless this proposal.”
When someone asks for permission to use your phone, you might respond with, “I’ll bless it, but be careful not to drop it.”

27. Seal

To “seal” something means to give it the final approval or authorization.

For instance, “The manager will seal the deal after reviewing the contract.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “Once the client approves the design, we can seal the deal.”
When a teacher gives permission for students to leave the classroom, they might say, “I’ll seal it, but be back in time for the next class.”

28. Pass

To “pass” something means to give it permission or approval to proceed.

For example, “The supervisor will pass your request to the higher-ups.”
In a discussion about a new policy, someone might say, “The board of directors needs to pass this proposal.”
When someone asks if they can leave early, you might respond with, “I’ll pass it, but make sure you finish your work first.”

29. Say yes

To “say yes” means to give permission or authorization for something to happen.

For instance, “The manager will say yes to your vacation request.”
In a discussion about a new project, someone might say, “If the client says yes, we can move forward.”
When someone asks if they can borrow your car, you might respond with, “I’ll say yes, but please return it with a full tank of gas.”

30. Countenance

To “countenance” something means to approve or tolerate it.

For example, “The CEO will countenance your decision to hire more staff.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “I don’t think the board will countenance such a proposal.”
When someone asks if they can bring their pet to the office, you might respond with, “I’ll countenance it, but make sure it doesn’t disturb others.”

31. Okey-dokey

This is a casual and playful way of saying “okay” or giving permission. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous context.

For example, someone might say, “Okey-dokey, let’s get started!”
In a conversation about plans, a person might respond, “Okey-dokey, I’ll meet you there at 7.”
A parent might say to their child, “Okey-dokey, you can have a cookie after dinner.”

32. Say so

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has the authority or permission to do something. It is a more casual way of saying “authorize” or “allow.”

For instance, someone might say, “If the boss says so, then it’s okay.”
In a discussion about rules, someone might ask, “Who gets to say so?”
A parent might tell their child, “You can go to the party if your friend’s parents say so.”

33. Green-lit

This term comes from the world of film and television production, where a “green light” is given to proceed with a project. It is now used more broadly to mean that something has been approved or authorized.

For example, someone might say, “The new project has been green-lit by the board.”
In a conversation about funding, someone might ask, “Has the budget been green-lit?”
A manager might tell their team, “Once the proposal is green-lit, we can start working on it.”

34. Thumbs-up

This gesture is used to indicate approval or agreement. It is often used in informal settings to give permission or show support.

For instance, someone might give a thumbs-up to indicate that they agree with a statement.
In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “I’ll give it a thumbs-up if everything looks good.”
A teacher might give a thumbs-up to a student’s answer to indicate that it is correct.

35. Give the okey-dokey

This phrase means to give permission or authorization. It is a more playful and informal way of saying “authorize” or “allow.”

For example, someone might say, “I’ll give you the okey-dokey to go ahead with the project.”
In a discussion about access, someone might ask, “Who can give the okey-dokey for me to enter?”
A parent might tell their child, “I’ll give you the okey-dokey to stay up late tonight.”