To authenticate or verify in writing.
To attest that a product, service, organization, or person has met an official standard.
To attest to (a fact) as the truth.
To ratify; to make valid.
To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.