The noun sanction, meaning "authoritative approval" or "a coercive measure," entered English in the 15th century, and originally referred to a formal decree or law, especially an ecclesiastical …

Many nations have imposed sanctions on the country because of its attacks on its own people. Trade/ economic sanctions will only be lifted (= stopped) when the aggressor nation withdraws …

What does sanction mean? Sanction has two main senses that are almost opposites: it can refer to authorizing or approving something, or to penalizing or disciplining someone or something.

A sanction is a severe course of action which is intended to make people obey instructions, customs, or laws. As an ultimate sanction, they can sell their shares.

Oct 6, 2025 · Understand what sanctions mean, why countries impose them, and how they impact compliance programs. Learn the sanctioned meaning with clear examples.

Sanction Look up sanction in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. A sanction may be either a permission or a restriction, depending upon context, as the word is an auto-antonym. …

Such a case is represented by sanction, which can mean both "to allow, encourage" and "to punish so as to deter." Sanction comes from the Latin word sānctiō, meaning "a law or decree …

1) A financial penalty imposed by a judge on a party or attorney -- or the act of imposing such a penalty. 2) In international law, to impose economic constraints on trade against a country that …

Sanction has two nearly opposite meanings: to sanction can be to approve of something, but it can also mean to punish, or speak harshly to. Likewise, a sanction can be a punishment or …

Aug 19, 2025 · The term “sanction” carries two distinct meanings. It can refer to a penalty or coercive measure imposed for non-compliance, or it can signify official approval or permission.