Reauthorise is a verb that refers to the act of granting or giving authorization or permission to continue or renew a particular authorization, typically for a specific period or term. It involves the validation or approval of a previous authorization or the process of extending its validity. The term is often used in legal, governmental, or bureaucratic contexts to describe the action required to continue a license, a permit, a contract, or any other form of granted authority.
When an entity, such as a legislative body, a regulatory agency, or a governing body, chooses to reauthorise something, they are essentially reviewing and renewing an existing authorization that may have expired or is nearing expiration. This implies that the decision-making process is being repeated to assess whether the entity should continue enjoying certain privileges, rights, or responsibilities.
Reauthorising may involve examining the initial terms and conditions, evaluating performance or compliance, considering any changes in circumstances or regulations, and making a determination on whether the entity should be allowed to retain its authorization.
The act of reauthorising is significant as it maintains the continuity and validity of existing authorizations while ensuring ongoing compliance and adherence to relevant laws, regulations, or standards. It enables governmental or administrative bodies to exercise control, oversight, and regulation to avoid any potential misuse or abuse of granted authority.
The word "reauthorise" is derived from the combination of two words: "re-" as a prefix meaning "again" or "back" and "authorize" as a verb meaning "to give official approval or permission for something".
The term "reauthorize" emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in the context of legislation and government actions. It refers to the process of granting or renewing authorization for a policy, program, law, agency, or other entity that was previously authorized but is subject to periodic review or renewal. The added "re-" prefix signifies that the authorization is being done again or renewed after a certain period has passed.