imprimatur

If you give something your imprimatur, you give it your formal support or approval. An imprimatur is a fancy version of a thumbs-up sign.

Originally, an imprimatur was a license that permitted a book to be printed. This word still has the meaning of official or public approval. When the president signs a bill, he gives it his imprimatur. You might give your imprimatur to your favorite rock band by wearing a t-shirt with the band’s logo on it.

Definitions of imprimatur
  1. noun
    formal and explicit approval
    synonyms: countenance, endorsement, indorsement, sanction, warrant
    see moresee less
    types:
    O.K., OK, okay, okeh, okey
    an endorsement
    visa
    an endorsement made in a passport that allows the bearer to enter the country issuing it
    nihil obstat
    the phrase used by the official censor of the Roman Catholic Church to say that a publication has been examined and contains nothing offensive to the church
    type of:
    approval, commendation
    a message expressing a favorable opinion
Word Family