Which expression describes the act of approving a previously unauthorized act?

The act of approving a previously unauthorized act is aptly described as ratification. Ratification occurs when an individual or entity formally confirms or approves an action that was not previously authorized. This means that the act gains legal validity and acceptance after the fact, even though it was executed without prior approval.

In many contexts, particularly in legal and business environments, ratification allows for the rectification of actions taken without permission, ensuring that they are recognized as legitimate moving forward. This is crucial for establishing accountability and consistency within organizational processes.

Other terms, although related, do not quite encapsulate the meaning of approving an unauthorized act in the same way that ratification does. Validation usually refers to the process of confirming that something is correct or acceptable. Sanctioning can imply both approval and punishment, depending on the context, which adds ambiguity. Legitimation typically refers to the process of making something legitimate, but it does not specifically denote the action of approving something that was previously unauthorized. Thus, ratification is the most precise term in this scenario.