Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
license

li·cense

license

 
 
pronunciation:
laI sihns
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: official permission from an authority.
It's illegal to practice medicine without a medical license.You need a special license to operate a truck like that.
synonyms:
authorization, commission, imprimatur, permission
similar words:
approval, certification, consent, franchise, leave, patent, sanction
definition 2: a document showing legal or official permission.
I received my new license in the mail today.
synonyms:
credential, document, permit
similar words:
authorization, certificate, papers, pass, passport, safe-conduct, ticket
definition 3: freedom of thought or action.
We have license to express our beliefs.
synonyms:
freedom, liberty, volition
antonyms:
decorum
similar words:
latitude, privilege
definition 4: unrestrained or excessive freedom, such as that which causes harm to others.
His newly acquired power gave him license to imprison his perceived enemies.The media had license to print outright lies.
synonyms:
carte blanche, excess, impunity, indulgence
similar words:
abandon, exemption, laxity, looseness
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: licenses, licensing, licensed
definition: to grant a license to or for; formally and officially permit.
He was licensed to drive a taxi in the city.
synonyms:
authorize, entitle, permit
antonyms:
ban
similar words:
accredit, allow, certify, commission, document, privilege, qualify
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: licenser (n.)
Word Explorer
See
  law