English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word sanction in English

What does sanction mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

sanction

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

Noun

1.

official permission or approval for an action

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

a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule

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

Verb

1.

give official permission or approval for (an action)

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

impose a penalty or punishment on

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