approve

verb6

1. •
   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.
2. •
   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.
3. •
   to say in an official way that something may go ahead, such as a plan or a law

   • Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial.
4. •
   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.
5. •
   (no longer used) To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.

   • He had long burned with impatience to approve his valour. — 1764
6. •
   (no longer used) To show to be worthy; to demonstrate the merits of.

   • The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God. — 1729