1 [+ obj] : to state or show that (something) is true or correct
▪ The tests confirmed the doctors' suspicions of cancer. ▪ The attack confirmed her worst fears about the neighborhood. ▪ Police would not confirm [=verify] reports of a shooting. ▪ The award confirmed her status as one of the great movie actresses. ▪ Medical tests confirmed (that) he did not have a heart attack. 2 : to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen : to make (something) definite or official [+ obj] ▪ The dentist's office called to confirm your appointment for tomorrow. ▪ Please confirm [=acknowledge] receipt of the shipment. ▪ confirm a hotel reservation [no obj] ▪ We have a reservation for you for tomorrow night. Please call to confirm. 3 [+ obj] formal : to make (something) stronger or more certain : to cause (someone) to believe (something) more strongly
▪ Her parents' attitude only confirmed [=strengthened, reinforced] her resolve to get her own apartment. — often + in ▪ She was confirmed in her determination to get a higher-paying job. 4 : to give official approval to (something or someone) [+ obj] ▪ They voted to confirm [=ratify] the treaty. ▪ The Senate has confirmed him as a Supreme Court justice. [no obj] ▪ The Senate is expected to vote to confirm. 5 [+ obj] : to make (someone) a full member of a church or synagogue : to administer confirmation to (someone) — usually used as (be) confirmed ▪ Our son will be confirmed in the spring. ▪ What year were you confirmed?