sanction

[ sangk-shuhn ]

noun

1. authoritative permission or approval, as for an action.

   Synonyms: authorization

   Antonyms: prohibition, interdiction

2. something that serves to support an action, condition, etc.
3. something that gives binding force, as to an oath, rule of conduct, etc.
4. Law.
   1. a provision of a law enacting a penalty for disobedience or a reward for obedience.
   2. the penalty or reward.
5. International Law. action by one or more states toward another state calculated to force it to comply with legal obligations.

verb (used with object)

1. to authorize, approve, or allow:

   an expression now sanctioned by educated usage.

   Synonyms: permit

   Antonyms: deny

2. to ratify or confirm:

   to sanction a law.

3. to impose a sanction on; penalize, especially by way of discipline.

sanction

/ ˈsæŋkʃən /

noun

1. final permission; authorization
2. aid or encouragement
3. something, such as an ethical principle, that imparts binding force to a rule, oath, etc
4. the penalty laid down in a law for contravention of its provisions
5. often plural a coercive measure, esp one taken by one or more states against another guilty of violating international law

verb

1. to give authority to; permit
2. to make authorized; confirm

Derived Forms

• ˈsanctioner, noun
• ˈsanctionless, adjective
• ˈsanctionable, adjective

Other Words From

• sanc·tion·a·ble adjective
• sanc·tion·a·tive adjective
• sanc·tion·er noun
• sanc·tion·less adjective
• non·sanc·tion noun
• re·sanc·tion verb (used with object)
• su·per·sanc·tion verb (used with object) noun
• un·sanc·tion·a·ble adjective
• un·sanc·tion·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanction¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin sānctiōn- (stem of sānctiō ), equivalent to sānct(us) (past participle of sancīre “to prescribe by law”) + -iōn- noun suffix; -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanction¹

C16: from Latin sanctiō the establishment of an inviolable decree, from sancīre to decree

Example Sentences

Among them, there will be relief that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stepped aside as someone who had lost credibility on the issue which would make it difficult to sanction other clergy for not doing enough.

From BBC

The most serious sanction is prosecution for fare evasion, which can land passengers with a magistrates court appearance and a serious criminal record.

From BBC

We got flushed when the Supreme Court gave presidents full immunity for “official” actions only the justices on the court can sanction.

From Salon

"The plan to sanction GB News flies in the face of Ofcom's duty to act fairly, lawfully and proportionately to safeguard free speech, particularly political speech and on matters of public interest," he said.

From BBC

A Commission spokesperson said antitrust fines are designed to sanction companies that have breached competition rules, as well as deter them and others from engaging in anti-competitive behaviour.

From BBC

Related Words

• ban
• boycott
• injunction
• penalty
• sentence