To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; to set as satisfactory.
Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial.
To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
We approve the measure of the administration, for it is an excellent decision.
To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
(followed by "of") To consider worthy (to); to be pleased (with); to accept.
Her mother never approves of any of her boyfriends. She thinks nobody is good enough for her little girl.
To show to be worthy; to demonstrate the merits of.
(English law) To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit — said especially of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.