1sanc·tion
noun \ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\
: an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc.
: official permission or approval
Full Definition of SANCTION
1: a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree
2a obsolete : a solemn agreement : oath
b : something that makes an oath binding
3: the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law
4a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment
b : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society’s standards
c : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : approbation
5: an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication
Examples of SANCTION
- The country acted without the sanction of the other nations.
- Their policy has legal sanction.
Origin of SANCTION
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sanction-, sanctio, from sancire to make holy — more at sacred
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to SANCTION
- Synonyms
- allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), permission, sufferance, warrant
- Antonyms
- interdiction, prohibition, proscription
2sanction
transitive verb
: to officially accept or allow (something)
sanc·tionedsanc·tion·ing
Full Definition of SANCTION
1: to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification)
2: to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
— sanc·tion·able adjective
Examples of SANCTION
- The government has sanctioned the use of force.
- His actions were not sanctioned by his superiors.
First Known Use of SANCTION
1778
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