ratify

[ rat-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rat·i·fied, rat·i·fy·ing.

1. to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction:

   to ratify a constitutional amendment.

   Synonyms: approve, corroborate

   Antonyms: disapprove, veto

2. to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.

   Synonyms: establish, validate

ratify

/ ˈrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to give formal approval or consent to

Derived Forms

• ˈratiˌfier, noun
• ˈratiˌfiable, adjective
• ˌratifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• rat·i·fi·er noun
• non·rat·i·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ratifien, from Middle French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) “calculated” ( rate ¹ ) + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

C14: via Old French from Latin ratus fixed (see rate ¹) + facere to make

Example Sentences

The UK government says the accord, which it hopes to ratify next year, will end legal uncertainty over the islands following international rulings backing Mauritian claims to sovereignty.

From BBC

The agreement, which ministers have said they want to ratify next year, will see the UK retain jurisdiction of the UK-US military base on the island of Diego Garcia for an "initial period" of 99 years.

From BBC

On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers will vote to ratify a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, first proposed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's lavish visit to Pyongyang in June.

From BBC

Perhaps the most important step the next president could take to curb plastic pollution is to push Congress to ratify and implement the United Nations’ global plastics treaty, which is scheduled to be finalized by the end of this year.

From Salon

Last week, Putin introduced a bill to ratify the pact.

From BBC

Related Words

• approve
• confirm
• endorse
• establish
• okay
• sign
• uphold