Sanction ( noun , verb )

(As a noun)

Sanction ( noun )

1. An official authorization or approval.
2. A measure taken by a government or other authority to enforce compliance or punish disobedience, especially a ban on trade with a particular country.
3. A penalty or other means of enforcing obedience imposed by an organization, especially a sports one.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "religious penalty"): from old french, from latin sanctio(n-), from sancire "ratify, consecrate".

Examples:

1. The United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Iraq.
2. The company was fined for violating the sanctions.
3. The sanctions had a devastating effect on the economy.
4. The football club was given a one-year sanction.
5. The government has issued a formal sanction for the project.

(As a verb)

Sanction ( verb )

1. An official authorization or approval.
2. A measure taken by a government or other authority to enforce compliance or punish disobedience, especially a ban on trade with a particular country.
3. A penalty or other means of enforcing obedience imposed by an organization, especially a sports one.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "religious penalty"): from old french, from latin sanctio(n-), from sancire "ratify, consecrate".

Examples:

1. The United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Iraq.
2. The company was fined for violating the sanctions.
3. The sanctions had a devastating effect on the economy.
4. The football club was given a one-year sanction.
5. The government has issued a formal sanction for the project.