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 decree.

SANCTION definition: authoritative permission or approval, as for an action. See examples of sanction used in a sentence.

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 its troops. …

A sanction may be either a permission or a restriction, depending upon context, as the word is an auto-antonym. Examples of sanctions include: Wikiquote has quotations related to Sanction.

Feb 6, 2026 · A "sanction" can mean both approval and punishment, making it a unique and versatile word. Understanding its dual meanings is essential for using it correctly in legal, political, and …

SANCTION meaning: 1 : an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that …

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.

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 approval.

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 its troops. …

Feb 10, 2026 · * U.S. states are abbreviated on the SDN and Non-SDN lists. To search for a specific U.S. state, please use the two letter U.S. Postal Service abbreviation.