ratify

[rat-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object), rat·i·fied, rat·i·fy·ing.

to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction: to ratify a constitutional amendment.
to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.

Origin of ratify

1325–75; Middle English ratifien < Middle French ratifier < Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) calculated (see rate¹) + -ificāre -ify

Related formsrat·i·fi·er, nounnon·rat·i·fy·ing, adjectiveun·rat·i·fied, adjective

Synonyms for ratify

1. corroborate, approve. 2. validate, establish.

Antonyms for ratify

1. veto, disapprove.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for ratifiers

ratify

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

(tr) to give formal approval or consent to

Derived Formsratifiable, adjectiveratification, nounratifier, noun

Word Origin for ratify

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for ratifiers

ratify

mid-14c., from Old French ratifier (13c.), from Medieval Latin ratificare "confirm, approve," literally "fix by reckoning," from Latin ratus "fixed by calculation; determined; approved; certain, sure; valid" (past participle adjective from reri "to reckon, think;" see reason (v.)) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Related: Ratified; ratifying.