ratification

[rat-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of ratifying; confirmation; sanction.

2. the state of being ratified.

ratification

1. The approval from the legislative branch required to validate government agreements. In the United States, amendments to the Constitution require the ratification of state legislatures, and international treaties require the ratification of the Senate.

Other Word Forms

• ratificationist noun
• nonratification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratification¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin ratificātiōn- (stem of ratificātiō ), equivalent to ratificāt ( us ) (past participle of ratificāre to ratify ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“We appreciate the collaborative effort and are encouraged that the Union is recommending the agreement for ratification.”

From Los Angeles Times

The deal is subject to review and approval by the SAG-AFTRA National Board and ratification by the membership in the coming weeks, the union said.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Constitution’s ratification, Congress passed the Insurrection Act to define the president’s power in emergencies.

From Salon

And to satisfy constitutional purists, OLC noted that “Neither the constitutional text nor the drafting and ratification debates provide further guidance regarding what it means for the President to ‘sign’ a bill he approves….

From Salon

Incompatible statutes on the question of citizenship were finally resolved after the abolition of slavery and the ratification of the 14th Amendment.

From Salon

Related Words

• approval 
• authorization 
• confirmation 
• enactment 
• sanction