plural sanctions
formal
1
: 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.
—usually plural
The United Nations has decided to impose trade/economic sanctions on the country.
—often + againstSanctions against the country have been lifted.
2
: official permission or approval
The country acted without the sanction of the other nations.
Their policy has/lacks legal sanction.
sanctions; sanctioned; sanctioning
formal
: to officially accept or allow (something)
The government has sanctioned the use of force.
His actions were not sanctioned by his superiors.
Cite this Entry
“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sanction. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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