1 tr. confirm; sanction (approved his application).
2 intr. give or have a favourable opinion.
3 tr. commend (approved the new hat).
4 tr. archaic (usu. refl.) demonstrate oneself to be (approved himself a coward).
Phrases and idioms:
approved school hist. a residential place of training for young offenders. approve of 1 pronounce or consider good or satisfactory; commend.
2 agree to.
Derivatives:
approvingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF aprover f. L (as APPROBATE)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.