sanction

UK: ˈsæŋkʃn | US: ˈsæŋkʃn

Definition

  1. n. official permission or approval

  2. n. a penalty or coercive measure imposed for violating a law or rule

  3. vt. to give official permission or approval

  4. vt. to impose a penalty or coercive measure

Structure
sanct <sacred>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "sanction" originates from the Latin sanctio, derived from sancire ("to make sacred or ratify"). The root sanct- reflects the concept of sacredness or inviolability, which evolved into dual meanings:

  1. Approval: Originally tied to religious decrees (sacred laws), later generalized to authoritative permission.
  2. Penalty: From the idea of enforcing sacred laws, leading to punitive measures.
    This duality persists in modern English, where "sanction" can mean both authorization and punishment—a rare but logical semantic split.
Examples

  1. The committee gave its sanction to the new policy.

  2. Economic sanctions were imposed on the country for human rights violations.

  3. The treaty was sanctioned by all member states.

  4. Failure to comply may result in legal sanctions.

  5. The school sanctions the use of laptops in classrooms.