ratification
n. C / Un. the official way that a government or group signs a document to make it legal. It is the final step that makes an agreement or law active.
n. the formal validation of a proposed law, treaty, or agreement by a state or other authoritative body. It represents the final act of consent that makes the instrument legally binding.
The treaty is waiting for ratification by the government.
The trade agreement cannot take effect until it receives formal ratification from all participating member states.
Despite initial opposition from the senate, the ratification of the constitutional amendment was eventually secured through a series of high-stakes political compromises.
From Middle French ratification, from Medieval Latin ratificatio.
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance or act of signing.