Sanction

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈsaÅ‹kʃən/

Origin

From French sanction.

Full definition of sanction

Noun

1. An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
2. A penalty, 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 the above.

Verb

1. (transitive) To ratify; to make valid.
2. (transitive) To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
• 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.21:Many of the most earnest Protestants were business men, to whom lending money at interest was essential. Consequently first Calvin, and then other Protestant divines, sanctioned interest.
3. (transitive) To penalize (a State etc.) with sanctions.

Anagrams

• actinons, canonist, contains