Sanction

Definition

Sanction can refer to a measure of approval, support or permission, or conversely, to a penalty aimed at influencing behavior.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsæŋkʃən/
• Respelling: SANGK-shuhn (with "SANGK" as in "bank," and "shuhn" resembling the sound in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsæŋkʃn/
• Respelling: SANGK-shn (similar to American English, with "SANGK" as in "bank," and "shn" indicating a slightly more clipped ending than in American English)

In both dialects, "sanction" has a clear "SANGK" sound at the beginning, followed by a "shn" sound that ends the word. The primary difference in respelling reflects the slightly tighter pronunciation typically heard in British English.

Etymology

The term "sanction" is derived from the Latin word sanctio, from sancire which means 'to decree, confirm, ratify, make sacred'.

Derivatives

• Sanctionable
• Sanctioner
• Sanctioning
• Unsanctioned
• Sanctionless

Synonyms

• Authorization
• Approval
• Endorsement

Antonyms

• Prohibition
• Veto
• Disapproval

Usage

The term 'sanction' can be used both as a form of approval or a punitive measure depending on the context.

Related Terms

• Sanctionable
• Unsanctioned

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Approval: Formal consent or authorization to proceed with a certain action or plan.‍
• Example: The project received the necessary sanction from the authorities.

• Penalty: A penalty, usually economic in nature, levied to influence behavior or policy.‍
• Example: The international community imposed sanctions on the country due to its nuclear activities.

Verb

• To Authorize: To give official permission or approval for an action.‍
• Example: The board sanctioned the new development plan.

• To Penalize: To subject to a penalty, especially for the violation of a moral principle or international law.‍
• Example: The athlete was sanctioned for using performance-enhancing drugs.