Associations to the word «Sanction»

Wiktionary

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

Dictionary definition

SANCTION, noun. Formal and explicit approval; "a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement".
SANCTION, noun. A mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards.
SANCTION, noun. Official permission or approval; "authority for the program was renewed several times".
SANCTION, noun. The act of final authorization; "it had the sanction of the church".
SANCTION, verb. Give sanction to; "I approve of his educational policies".
SANCTION, verb. Give authority or permission to.
SANCTION, verb. Give religious sanction to, such as through on oath; "sanctify the marriage".

Wise words

Words, words, words! They shut one off from the universe. Three quarters of the time one's never in contact with things, only with the beastly words that stand for them.
Aldous Huxley