sanction

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noun sanc·tion \ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\

Definition of sanction

1 : a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree
2a obsolete : a solemn agreement : oathb : 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
4a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgmentb : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standardsc : 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

See sanction defined for English-language learners

See sanction defined for kids

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Examples of sanction in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of sanction

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

sanction

verb sanc·tion

Definition of sanction

sanctioned

;

sanctioning

play \-sh(ə-)niŋ\

transitive verb
1 : to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (such as ratification)
2 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to … such characters … look, talk, and act in ways sanctioned by society and novelistic tradition … — Lawrence Chua
3a : to attach a sanction or penalty to the violation of (a right, obligation, or command) … the status, procedures, rights, and duties of members are carefully defined by rules that are sanctioned by fines should they be contravened by members. — Malcolm Ruelb : to impose a sanction or penalty upon … a Long Island brokerage firm that, at the time, had serious Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC fraud charges pending against it and has since been heavily fined and sanctioned. — Molly Ivins

sanctionable

play \-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective

See sanction defined for English-language learners

Examples of sanction in a Sentence

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

Sanction Has Legal Origins

Sanction can also be a noun meaning "authoritative approval" or "a coercive measure." The noun entered English first, in the 15th century, and originally referred to a formal decree, especially an ecclesiastical decree. (The Latin sancire, meaning "to make holy," is an ancestor.) By the end of the 17th century, the meaning of the noun "sanction" had extended to refer to both a means of enforcing a law (a sense that in the 20th century we began using especially for economic penalties against nations violating international law) and the process of formally approving or ratifying a law. When the verb "sanction" appeared in the 18th century, it had to do with ratifying laws as well. Soon it had also acquired an additional, looser sense: "to approve."

First Known Use of sanction

1778

Synonym Discussion of sanction

approve, endorse, sanction, accredit, certify mean to have or express a favorable opinion of. approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration. the parents approve of the marriage endorse suggests an explicit statement of support. publicly endorsed her for Senator sanction implies both approval and authorization. the President sanctioned covert operations accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards. the board voted to accredit the college must be certified to teach

Other Legal Terms

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

SANCTION Defined for English Language Learners

sanction

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noun

Definition of sanction for English Language Learners

: an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc.
: official permission or approval

sanction

verb

Definition of sanction for English Language Learners

: to officially accept or allow (something)

SANCTION Defined for Kids

sanction

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noun sanc·tion \ˈsaŋk-shən\

Definition of sanction for Students

1 : official approval or permission The soldiers' conduct did not have the king's sanction.
2 : an action (as the ending of financial aid) taken by one or more nations to make another nation comply with a law or rule

sanction

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verb sanc·tion

Definition of sanction for Students

sanctioned

;

sanctioning

: to officially accept or allow The coaches sanctioned the new rule.

Law Dictionary

sanction

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noun sanc·tion \ˈsaŋk-shən\

Legal Definition of sanction

1 : a punitive or coercive measure or action that results from failure to comply with a law, rule, or order a sanction for contempt
2 : explicit or official approval
3 : 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