Meaning

• 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.