approbation UK /ˌæp.ɹəʊˈbeɪ.ʃən/US /ˌæp.ɹoʊˈbeɪ.ʃən/ noun1 •The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval, sanction, commendation or official recognition.I am very sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast — 1796 formsapprobations