qualify

verb [I or T] (HAVE RIGHT)

/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪ/

/ˈkwɑː.lɪ-/

Definition

B2 to have the legal right to have or do something because of the situation you are in, or to cause someone to have such a right: She doesn't qualify for maternity leave because she hasn't been in her job long enough. To qualify for the competition you need to be over 18. Being a single parent qualifies you for extra benefits. [+ obj + to infinitive ] figurative He thinks the fact that he's worked here longer than the rest of us qualifies him (= gives him the right) to tell us all what to do.Allowing and permitting

(Definition of qualify verb (HAVE RIGHT) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)