əˈkredə̇t also aˈ-; usu -də̇d.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: French accréditer, from ad- + crédit credit — more at credit
1. : to put (as by common consent) into a reputable or outstanding category : consider, recognize, or acclaim as rightfully possessing an uncontested status
sages so fully accredited as Mr. Bertrand Russell — C.E.Montague
2. : to give official authorization to or approval of:
a. : to order or permit to proceed on an official mission or on one otherwise officially recognized
in the course of service as an air attaché at several capitals … governments to which he was accredited gave him medals — J.G.Cozzens
b. : to vouch for officially : recognize or clear officially as bona fide, approved, or in conformity with a standard
only a few counties in the state had been accredited with reference to tuberculosis in cattle — Journal American Medical Association
c. : to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that render it eligible for membership in an association of similar institutions and that qualify its graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice
3. : credit : to give credit for : ascribe or attribute especially favorably
rare and treasured possessions accredited with magical properties — C.D.Forde
nobility not generally accredited to him by the coarse world — Bernard DeVoto
Synonyms: see approve , ascribe , authorize