Meaning of the word sanctions in English

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

sanctions

US /ˈsæŋk.ʃənz/
UK /ˈsæŋk.ʃənz/

Plural Noun

official orders or laws stopping or limiting trade or communication with a country in order to make it obey international law

Example:
The country faced international sanctions due to its human rights violations.
Economic sanctions were imposed to pressure the regime.

Noun

official permission or approval for an action

Example:
The project received official sanction from the government.
Without the committee's sanction, we cannot proceed.

Verb

1.

to give official permission or approval for an action

Example:
The council refused to sanction the new building project.
The government may sanction the use of force in this situation.
2.

to impose a penalty on someone or something

Example:
The organization decided to sanction the member for violating the rules.
The government will sanction any company found to be involved in illegal trade.