sanction

[ˈsæŋkʃən]

sanction Definition

• 1. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule
• 2. official permission or approval for an action
• 3. a measure taken by one or more nations to pressure another nation to comply with its demands

Using sanction: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sanction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The company was fined as a sanction for violating environmental regulations.

• Example

  The government imposed economic sanctions against the country.

• Example

  The teacher gave him a sanction for cheating on the exam.

• Example

  The UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on the country.

sanction Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sanction

• penalty
• punishment
• discipline
• restriction
• authorization
• approval
• permission
• consent
• endorsement
• ratification
• embargo
• boycott

Antonyms for sanction

• reward
• incentive
• encouragement
• praise
• commendation

Idioms Using sanction

• go against the sanctions

  to violate or ignore the imposed sanctions

  Example

  The country decided to go against the sanctions and continue its nuclear program.

• lift the sanctions

  to remove or end the imposed sanctions

  Example

  The government agreed to lift the sanctions in exchange for the country's compliance with the demands.

• sanction somebody/something off

  to separate or isolate somebody/something by imposing restrictions or penalties

  Example

  The contaminated area was sanctioned off to prevent further contamination.

Phrases with sanction

• sanction of the church

  an official approval or endorsement from the church

  Example

  The marriage was not recognized by the church because it did not have the sanction of the church.

• sanctions regime

  a set of measures taken by one or more nations to pressure another nation to comply with its demands

  Example

  The sanctions regime against the country has been in place for several years.

• sanctions-busting

  the act of evading or violating economic sanctions

  Example

  The company was caught engaging in sanctions-busting activities.

Origins of sanction

from Latin 'sanctio', meaning 'law'

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Summary: sanction in Brief

The term 'sanction' [ˈsæŋkʃən] refers to a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule, official permission or approval for an action, or a measure taken by one or more nations to pressure another nation to comply with its demands. It can be used in phrases like 'sanction of the church,' and idioms like 'go against the sanctions,' denoting violation or isolation. 'Sanction' is a formal term that can also mean punishment or approval in informal contexts.