sanction

US /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/
UK /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/
"sanction" picture
1.

official permission or approval for an action

:
•
The government gave its sanction to the new trade agreement.
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The project cannot proceed without official sanction.
:
authorizationpermissionapprovalendorsementratification
:
prohibitiondisapproval
2.

a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule

:
•
Economic sanctions were imposed on the country.
•
The company faces severe sanctions for violating environmental regulations.
:
penaltypunishmentrestrictionembargoboycott
:
rewardincentive
1.

give official permission or approval for (an action)

:
•
The committee refused to sanction the new spending proposal.
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The board will meet to sanction the merger.
:
authorizepermitapproveendorseratify
:
forbidprohibit
2.

impose a penalty or punishment on

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•
The organization decided to sanction the member for unethical behavior.
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The international community may sanction the regime for human rights abuses.
:
penalizepunishdisciplinechastisecensure
:
rewardpraise