Cool MateSanction
UK /["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/US /["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/
Definition
an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do something, such as obeying international law
In simple words: To allow or approve something, or to punish someone for something.
Examples
- The government imposed economic sanctions on the country to discourage its aggressive actions.
- The UN Security Council approved sanctions against the regime for violating human rights.
- Before the project could begin, it required official sanction from the board of directors.
- The new law received sanction from the parliamentary committee after much debate.
- International sanctions often restrict trade, travel, or financial dealings with certain countries.
- Without proper sanction, the event could not legally take place.
Usage notes
In formal contexts, 'sanction' can imply both approval and punishment, which can be confusing. In legal or diplomatic language, it's often used to refer to punitive measures against countries or organizations. Avoid using in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
sanction + object
Memory hint
Think of 'Sanction' as a 'Stamp of approval' or a 'Stop sign' for wrongdoers.
Collocations
- economic
- financial
- military
- apply
- enforce
- impose
- sanction against
- sanction for
- the imposition of sanctions
- the lifting of sanctions
- a threat of sanctions
- government
- official
- divine
- give something
- with somebody/something’s sanction
- without somebody/something’s sanction
- economic
- financial
- military
- apply
- enforce
- impose
- sanction against
- sanction for
- the imposition of sanctions
- the lifting of sanctions
- a threat of sanctions
Synonyms
- authorization
- penalty
Antonyms
- approve
- permit
Common mistakes
- Confused with the opposite meaning (approval vs punishment).
- Omitting the object when using the word.
- Using it in informal contexts where approval is meant.