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 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