Sanction

/ˈsæŋkʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A penalty or coercive measure imposed to enforce compliance with a law or regulation.

The country faced international sanctions due to its human rights violations.

Official approval or authorization for an action.

We need to obtain the proper sanctions from the committee before proceeding with the project.

verb

To impose a penalty on or to give official approval to.

The government decided to sanction the company for its unethical practices.

To authorize or approve, often in an official context.

The board voted to sanction the new policy changes.

Late Latin 'sanctio', from 'sanctus', meaning 'sacred'.

economic sanctions:

Restrictions imposed by countries on trade or financial transactions.

sanctioned by law:

Authorized or approved by legal authority.

to impose sanctions:

To place restrictions or penalties on an entity.

A buzzkill

That new rule is such a sanction on our fun.

A downer

The sanctions they placed on the party really killed the vibe.