Countenance
[kʲʰæũ̯.ʔɪ̆.nəns]
noun
Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
Favour; support; encouragement.
Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
verb
To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
“The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.”