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   sanc·tion

   /ˈsaNG(k)SH(ə)n/

   noun

   • 1. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule: "a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse" Similar penaltypunishmentdeterrentpunitive actiondisciplinepenalizationcorrectionretributionembargobanprohibitionboycottbarrierrestrictiontariffOpposite reward
   • ▪ measures taken by a nation to coerce another to conform to an international agreement or norms of conduct, typically in the form of restrictions on trade or on participation in official sporting events: "the United States had agreed to lift economic sanctions"
   • ▪ a consideration operating to enforce obedience to any rule of conduct.
   • 2. official permission or approval for an action: "he appealed to the bishop for his sanction" Similar authorizationconsentleavepermissionauthoritywarrantlicensedispensationassentacquiescenceagreementapprovalseal/stamp of approvalapprobationrecognitionendorsementaccreditationconfirmationratificationvalidationblessingimprimaturclearanceacceptanceallowanceinformal:the go-aheadthe thumbs upthe OKthe green lightsay-sorare:permitOpposite prohibitionban
   • ▪ official confirmation or ratification of a law.
   • ▪ a law or decree, especially an ecclesiastical decree. historical

   verb

   • 1. give official permission or approval for (an action): "only two treatments have been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration" Similar authorizeconsent topermitallowgive leave forgive permission forwarrantaccreditlicensegive assent toendorseagree toapproveacceptgive one's blessing tobacksupportinformal:give the thumbs up togive the green light toOKrare:approbateOpposite prohibitban
   • 2. impose a sanction or penalty on: "foreigners in France illegally should be sent home, their employers sanctioned and border controls tightened up" Similar punishdiscipline someone for

   Word Origin late Middle English (as a noun denoting an ecclesiastical decree): from French, from Latin sanctio(n-), from sancire ‘ratify’. The verb dates from the late 18th century.

   Derivatives

   • 1. sanctionable adjective

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • S

     1

   • A

     1

   • N

     1

   • C

     3

   • T

     1

   • I

     1

   • O

     1

   • N

     1

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