sanction

Meaning

Noun

1. An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
2. A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
3. A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.

Verb

1. To ratify; to make valid.
2. To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
3. To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.

Synonyms

approval

approve

permission

authorize

authorization

ratification

ratify

punishment

approbation

countenance

authorise

permit

authority

confirm

pass

penalty

endorse

imprimatur

allow

confirmation

penalize

consent

warrant

authorisation

endorsement

leave

approbate

okay

mandate

indorsement

verify

O.K.

corroborate

let

certification

recognise

empower

recognize

adopt

enactment

say-so

license

acceptance

acceptation

assent

motive

ordain

passage

passing

plaudit

principle

probate

punish

receive

receptive

restraint

sanctify

seal

🦭

statute

sufferance

summit

sustain

take

take up

undertake

validate

visa

appro

give permission

laissez passer

adoption

budget

Laws

rule in

good

👍

approof

abet

accept

🉑

acknowledge

admit

affirm

allocate funds

allowance

applaud

applause

👏

approachable

approve of

approving

approximate

attest

attorn

authentication

avow

blessing

chasten

clear

clearance

code

commendation

comply

concede

condone

countersign

crown

👑

decree

delegate

depute

disciplinary action

embrace

enable

friendly

grant

honor

incite

indorse

judgment

law

legitimize

licence

make it convenient

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsæŋkʃən/

Etymology

From Middle French sanction, from Latin sanctio.