sanction
sanction Lexical Profile
sanction Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A threatened penalty or coercive measure, especially an economic or trade restriction imposed by one or more countries against another for violating international law or norms.
"The international coalition voted to impose strict economic sanctions on the regime until diplomatic talks resumed."
Official permission, approval, or ratification granted by an authority for an action or practice.
"The archaeological excavation could not proceed without the formal sanction of the ministry of culture."
• verb
To give official permission, approval, or ratification for an action or policy.
"The university board refused to sanction the proposed tuition increase for the upcoming academic year."
To impose an official penalty, fine, or coercive measure on a state, organization, or individual.
"The regulatory commission decided to sanction the corporation for failing to meet environmental safety standards."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Sanction" is a classic contronym (auto-antonym) because it can mean either to officially approve an action or to impose a penalty against it; careful writers rely on surrounding context or plural forms (such as "imposing economic sanctions") to prevent ambiguity.
• Rhymes for sanction
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French from Latin 'sanctionem', meaning a binding decree or ordinance, derived from the verb 'sancire' (to make sacred, ratify, or ordain by penalty).