sanction

/ˈsæŋkʃən/
verb
  1. To officially approve or allow something.
    • The board voted to sanction the new building plan.
    • Our school does not sanction any form of bullying.
    • The government does not sanction the use of force in peaceful protests.
  2. To impose a penalty or punishment on someone or something.
    • The company was sanctioned for violating environmental regulations.
    • If you break the rules, the organization will sanction you with a fine.
    • The committee voted to sanction the athlete for using banned substances.
noun
  1. An official order or penalty imposed to force obedience to a law or rule.
    • The school's sanctions for cheating include a failing grade and a meeting with parents.
    • The United Nations imposed economic sanctions on the country for violating the peace agreement.
    • Trade sanctions were lifted after the government agreed to stop human rights abuses.
  2. Official permission or approval for an action.
    • The treaty requires the sanction of all member nations before it takes effect.
    • The teacher gave her sanction for the students to use the lab after hours.
    • The project cannot begin without the sanction of the city council.
What does "sanction" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean