imprimatur

im·pri·ma·tur

noun \ˌim-prə-ˈmä-ˌtu̇r, im-ˈpri-mə-ˌtu̇r, -ˌtyu̇r\

Definition of IMPRIMATUR

1

a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority

b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship

2

a : sanction, approval

b : imprint

c : a mark of approval or distinction

Examples of IMPRIMATUR

1. He gave the book his imprimatur.
2. <could not begin the project without the boss's imprimatur>

Origin of IMPRIMATUR

New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress — more at impress

First Known Use: 1640

Related to IMPRIMATUR

Synonyms

approbation, blessing, favor, approval, OK (or okay)

Antonyms

disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor

Related Words

backing, cachet, endorsement (also indorsement), finalization, formalization, homologation, nod, ratification, rubber stamp, sanction, support, thumbs-up, vote; benediction, goodwill; acceptation, accession, agreement, assent, concurrence, consent; countenance, liking, satisfaction

Near Antonyms

refusal, rejection, repudiation; dislike, dissatisfaction; censure, condemnation, criticism, denunciation, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, opprobrium, reprehension, reproach, reprobation

Rhymes with IMPRIMATUR

candidature, caricature, discomfiture, distemperature, divestiture, entablature, entrepreneur, expenditure, investiture, literature, miniature, musculature, nomenclature, non sequitur