sanction

saNG(k)SH()n/
noun
plural noun: sanctions

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1.

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a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.

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"a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse"

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synonyms:

penalty, punishment, deterrent; More

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2.

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official permission or approval for an action.

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"he appealed to the bishop for his sanction"

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synonyms:

authorization, consent, leave, permission, authority, warrant, license,dispensation, ass

ent, acquiescence, agreement, approval,approbation, endorsement, accreditation, ratif
ication, validation,blessing, imprimatur; More

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verb
3rd person present: sanctions

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1.

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give official permission or approval for (an action).

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"only two treatments have been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration"

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synonyms:

authorize, permit, allow, warrant, accredit, license, endorse, approve,accept, back, su

pport;
informalOK
"the rally was sanctioned by the government"

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2.

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impose a sanction or penalty on.

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synonyms:

punish, discipline someone for

"the penalties available to sanction crime"