Gave consent for ludicrous field trial, though learners didn't participate (8)
I believe the answer is:
ratified
'gave' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ratified that I've seen before include "Formally confirmed" , "Formally validated" , "Confirmed or accepted agreement or treaty" , "Gave formal consent to" , "Officially adopted" .)