English Explanatory Dictionary

sanction

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
  2. A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
  3. A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.
verb
  1. To ratify; to make valid.
  2. To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
  3. To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.

Pronunciation

/ˈsæŋkʃən/ [ˈsæŋkʃən] ~ [ˈsæŋkʃn̩] /ˈseɪ̯ŋkʃən/ [ˈseɪ̯ŋkʃən] ~ [ˈseɪ̯ŋkʃn̩] /ˈsɛ̃ŋkʃən/ [ˈsɛ̃ŋkʃən] ~ [ˈsɛ̃ŋkʃn̩] en-us-sanction.ogg

Word forms

sanction sanctions sanctioning sanctioned

Etymology

From Middle French sanction, from Latin sānctiō.

Synonyms

ban boycott estoppel injunction interdiction embargo penalties proscription sanction taboo approbation consent accedence allowance approval assent assentment authorization correction punishment censure discipline penalty punition sentence

Antonyms

permission endorsement support confirmation allowance backing

Related words

blacklist condemnation prohibit

Derived words

antisanction antisanctions countersanction cybersanctions nonsanction pragmatic sanction presanction presanctions sanctional sanctionary sanctioneer sanctionism sanctionist sanctionless secondary sanction nonsanctioned resanction sanctionability sanctionable sanctioner sanctionment unsanctioned unsanctioning
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