definitions

ratify

[ rat-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈræt əˌfaɪ /
|

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.

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Nearby words

rathole, rathouse, rathskeller, raticide, ratification, ratify, ratine, rating, rating badge, rating nut, ratingen

Origin of ratify

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

SYNONYMS FOR ratify

1 corroborate, approve.
2 validate, establish.

ANTONYMS FOR ratify

1 veto, disapprove.

Related forms

rat·i·fi·er, nounnon·rat·i·fy·ing, adjectiveun·rat·i·fied, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for ratifiers

ratify

/ (ˈrætɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

(tr) to give formal approval or consent to

Derived Forms

ratifiable, 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