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sanction

/ˈsæŋkʃən/
Dictionary

noun

  • An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.

    "The whalers had been operating in the contested waters off the island with sanction from the Japanese government."

  • A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.

    "The United States enacted a new round of sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa."

  • A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.

verb

  • To ratify; to make valid.
  • To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
  • To penalize (a State etc.) with sanctions.

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