sanction

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An official action taken to punish a country or group, such as a trade ban.

   The government imposed economic sanctions on the regime.

2. 2
   noun

   Official permission or approval for something.

   The project went ahead with the sanction of the city council.

3. 3
   verb

   To give official approval or permission for something.

   The board sanctioned the new building plans.

4. 4
   verb

   To punish a country or group by imposing sanctions.

   Several nations agreed to sanction the country over the conflict.

From Middle French sanction, from Latin sānctiō.

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