C1nounformal3K

UK/["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/US/["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/

Meaning of Sanction

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.

Sanction in a sentence

  • 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.

How to use Sanction

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.

Related words

Collocations with Sanction

Synonyms for Sanction

Opposites of Sanction

Common mistakes with Sanction

  • Confused with the opposite meaning (approval vs punishment).
  • Omitting the object when using the word.
  • Using it in informal contexts where approval is meant.

Sanction appears in

Sanction in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Sanction

What does Sanction mean?

To allow or approve something, or to punish someone for something.

What is the definition of Sanction?

an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do something, such as obeying international law

How do you use Sanction in a sentence?

The government imposed economic sanctions on the country to discourage its aggressive actions.

Can you give another example of Sanction?

The UN Security Council approved sanctions against the regime for violating human rights.

What are synonyms for Sanction?

Common alternatives include authorization, penalty.

What is the opposite of Sanction?

Opposite meanings include approve, permit.

What words go with Sanction?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Sanction?

Confused with the opposite meaning (approval vs punishment). Omitting the object when using the word. Using it in informal contexts where approval is meant.

How do you pronounce Sanction?

US: /["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsæŋkʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Sanction formal or informal?

"Sanction" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Sanction?

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.

What CEFR level is Sanction?

"Sanction" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.