ratify
playSimple Definition of ratify
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: to make (a treaty, agreement, etc.) official by signing it or voting for it
Examples of ratify in a sentence
A number of countries have refused to ratify the treaty.
<Lincoln's home state of Illinois was the first to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provided for the abolition of slavery.>
Origin and Etymology of ratify
Middle English ratifien, from Anglo-French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificare, from Latin ratus determined, from past participle of reri to calculate — more at reason
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Government and Politics Terms
RATIFY Defined for Kids
ratify
playDefinition of ratify for Students
ratified
ratifying
: to give legal approval to (as by a vote)
Law Dictionary
ratify
playLegal Definition of ratify
ratified
ratifying
: to make valid or effective; especially : to adopt or affirm (as the prior act or contract of an agent) by express or implied consent with the effect of original authorization <unable to rescind the contract because he ratified it by accepting the benefits> — compare reform
Learn More about ratify
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ratify Spanish Central: Translation of ratify Nglish: Translation of ratify for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ratify for Arabic speakers
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