sanc·tion
ˈsaŋ(k)-shən
1
: a formal decree
especially
: an ecclesiastical decree
2
a
obsolete
: a solemn agreement : oath
b
: something that makes an oath binding
3
: the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law
4
a
: a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment
b
: a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
c
: explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : approbation
5
: an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication
sanctioned; sanctioning
ˈsaŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ
1
: to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (such as ratification)
2
: to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
… such characters … look, talk, and act in ways sanctioned by society and novelistic tradition …—Lawrence Chua
3
a
: to attach a sanction or penalty to the violation of (a right, obligation, or command)
… the status, procedures, rights, and duties of members are carefully defined by rules that are sanctioned by fines should they be contravened by members.—Malcolm Ruel
b
: to impose a sanction or penalty upon
… a Long Island brokerage firm that, at the time, had serious Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC fraud charges pending against it and has since been heavily fined and sanctioned.—Molly Ivins
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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