Main Entry:

¹sanc·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

1: a formal decree ; especially : an ecclesiastical decree2 aobsolete : a solemn agreement : oath b: something that makes an oath binding3: the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law4 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 : approbation5: 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