sanction
Pronunciation:
/ˈsæŋkʃən/noun
Definitions
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
Example: 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.
Example: 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
Definitions
To ratify; to make valid.
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
To penalize (a State etc.) with sanctions.