authorize vs countenance

authorize is not a noun while countenance is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
authorize	No	No	Yes	No
countenance	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, countenance is a hypernym of authorize; that is, countenance is a word with a broader meaning than authorize:

Other hypernyms of authorize include allow, let, permit.

authorize (noun)	countenance (noun)
	the appearance conveyed by a person's face
	the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
	formal and explicit approval

authorize (verb)	countenance (verb)
grant authorization or clearance for	consent to, give permission; permit
give or delegate power or authority to