sanction

²sanction

verb

sanc·tionedsanc·tion·ing\-sh(ə-)niŋ\

Definition of SANCTION

transitive verb

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

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See Synonym Discussion at approve

Other Legal Terms

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