Overauthorize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To give more permission or authority than is reasonable or necessary
2. To allow or empower excessively, surpassing proper limits
3. To extend authorization beyond what is suitable or justified

Etymology: "Overauthorize" is a plain English compound: the prefix "over-" (meaning excessively) attached to "authorize," which itself comes via Old French "autoriser" from Latin "auctorizare," meaning to give authority to, from "auctor" (originator or authority). The formation is transparent, so the history is simple. The "authorize" part entered English in the late Middle Ages, and the prefix "over-" has been productive in English since Old English, used freely to make verbs meaning "to do something too much." Coinages like this one are typically formed as needed in technical or everyday contexts, which is why they often appear in writing about computer systems, permissions and policy, where someone grants access or approval too broadly.

Synonyms: overpermit, overallow, exceed authorization

Antonyms: underauthorize, restrict, limit