sanction — meaning in English

English meaning

• sanction noun Official approval or permission for an action.

Senses

sanction is used for these senses in English:

• sanction (mostly, in the plural) A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
• sanction A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.

sanction — full definition

1. noun Official approval or permission for an action.
2. noun A penalty imposed to enforce compliance, especially by one country against another.
3. verb To officially approve or authorize.
4. verb To penalize, especially a country or organization, in order to force compliance.

Related French words