If someone in a position of authority approves a plan or idea, they formally agree to it and say that it can happen. The Russian Parliament has approved a program of radical economic reforms = sanction see also approved, approving
To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of; as, we approve the measured of the administration
To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; as, to approve the decision of a court-martial