ratify

[rat-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

ratified, ratifying 

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

Other Word Forms

• ratifier noun
• nonratifying adjective
• ratifiable adjective
• ratification noun

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 U.S., however, has never ratified the agreement and Russia withdrew its ratification in 2023.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Much will depend on whether Democrats in Albany are willing to ratify Mr. Mamdani’s agenda, especially the tax increases on businesses and the affluent.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Previously, Tesla got shareholders to twice ratify a pay package for Mr Musk that was worth tens of billions of dollars if he achieved a tenfold increase in Tesla's market value.

Read more on BBC

Last year, the wealth fund opposed a separate proposal to ratify a 2018 pay package for Musk that had been canceled by a Delaware judge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Key parties signed the document at a ceremony in October, but some said it must be ratified by a referendum.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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