sanction

¹sanc·tion

noun \ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\

Definition of SANCTION

1

: a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree

2

a obsolete : a solemn agreement : oath

b : something that makes an oath binding

3

: the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law

4

a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment

b : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

c : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : approbation

5

: an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication

Examples of SANCTION

1. The country acted without the sanction of the other nations.
2. Their policy has legal sanction.

Origin of SANCTION

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sanction-, sanctio, from sancire to make holy — more at sacred

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SANCTION

Synonyms

allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), permission, sufferance, warrant

Antonyms

interdiction, prohibition, proscription

Related Words

imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp; accreditation, certification; liberty, pass; concession, patent, permit; tolerance, toleration; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, OK (or okay); accord, grant

Near Antonyms

denial, refusal, rejection, revocation; taboo (also tabu); injunction, veto; deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression; ban, embargo, exclusion

²sanction

transitive verb

sanc·tionedsanc·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\

Definition of SANCTION

1

: to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification)

2

: to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to

— sanc·tion·able \-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of SANCTION

1. The government has sanctioned the use of force.
2. His actions were not sanctioned by his superiors.

First Known Use of SANCTION

1778

Related to SANCTION

Synonyms

accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, approve, warrant

Antonyms

decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

Related Words

accept, acknowledge, affirm; certify, endorse (also indorse), validate; bless, canonize, sanctify; initial, rubber-stamp, sign, sign off (on); allow, enable, legalize, license (also licence), pass, permit; reapprove

Near Antonyms

ban, enjoin, forbid, illegalize, interdict, prohibit, proscribe; disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook; rebuff, rebut, refuse, spurn

See Synonym Discussion at approve

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi