Sanction Meaning

Sanction

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A penalty or punishment imposed for breaking a law or rule.
2. Official approval or permission for an action or decision.
3. A measure taken to enforce compliance with a law or regulation, often in the form of economic or political pressure.
4. A formal action or decree, typically in a legal or governmental context, to approve or authorize something.

History and Origin

The word “sanction” comes from the Latin sanctio, meaning “a decree” or “law,” derived from sanctus, meaning “sacred” or “consecrated.” The term initially referred to a legal penalty for violating a rule but evolved to include both positive and negative forms of authorization. Over time, its meaning expanded to include both the act of imposing penalties and granting formal approval.

Detailed Explanation

“Sanction” has two main meanings depending on the context: as a punishment or penalty, and as a form of approval or authorization.

1. As a punishment: A sanction can refer to a penalty imposed to ensure compliance with laws or rules. These may include financial fines, restrictions, or other punitive measures. This is often seen in legal, governmental, or international contexts, such as economic sanctions imposed by countries on each other to enforce compliance with international laws or agreements.
2. As approval: Conversely, “sanction” also refers to official approval or permission for an action. For example, a government may sanction a project, meaning it has given formal approval for it to proceed. In this sense, a sanction can be a positive endorsement or authorization.

The dual meanings of “sanction” can lead to confusion, but the intended meaning is generally clear from the context in which it is used.

Example Sentences

1. The United Nations imposed sanctions on the country for violating human rights.
2. The school issued a sanction against students who skipped class repeatedly.
3. The government sanctioned the construction of a new highway to improve infrastructure.
4. International sanctions were lifted after the country agreed to the peace treaty.
5. Her proposal was sanctioned by the board of directors.
6. The athlete was sanctioned for using performance-enhancing drugs.
7. The project can only proceed if it receives a sanction from the regulatory authorities.
8. The sanctions placed on the business severely affected its operations.
9. The teacher sanctioned the use of cell phones in class for educational purposes.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Penalty – A punishment or consequence for breaking a rule, similar to a sanction.
2. Approval – Official consent or authorization, often used in the context of sanctioning something.
3. Authorization – The granting of permission or approval, related to the positive meaning of sanction.
4. Restriction – A limitation or constraint, often imposed as a sanction for misconduct.
5. Punishment – A consequence or penalty imposed for an offense, often in the form of a sanction.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Embargo – A government-imposed restriction or sanction on trade with another country.
2. Prohibition – The act of forbidding something, often enforced by sanctions or legal means.
3. Discipline – The practice of enforcing rules and imposing sanctions for violations.
4. Reprimand – A formal expression of disapproval, similar to a sanction for misbehavior.
5. Regulation – A rule or directive that may be enforced through sanctions.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Consequences – The result of an action or behavior, often imposed as a sanction.
2. Fine – A monetary penalty, often used as a sanction for breaking laws or rules.
3. Banishment – The act of expelling someone as a form of punishment or sanction.
4. Censure – A formal disapproval or reprimand, similar to a sanction.
5. Retaliation – The act of responding to an offense or violation, often through sanctions or penalties.

Antonyms

1. Approval
2. Endorsement
3. Permission
4. Authorization
5. Support