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        sanction

        sanc·tion

        sanction

         
         
        pronunciation:
        saengk shn
        parts of speech:
        noun, transitive verb
        features:
        Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
        part of speech: noun
        definition 1: an official or authoritative approval, as of an action, behavior, or the like; permission.
        Under pressure from citizen groups, the city council refused to give sanction to the building project.
        synonyms:
        approval, authorization, consent, imprimatur, leave, license, permission, warranty
        antonyms:
        interdict
        similar words:
        approbation, blessing
        definition 2: societal or public support for an action, course of action, or behavior.
        The mayor's decision had the sanction of the people.
        synonyms:
        approval, assent, consent
        definition 3: something intended to ensure compliance with a law, such as a penalty for disobedience.
        Sanctions are in place to prevent such shady dealings.
        synonyms:
        determent, penalty
        definition 4: an action taken by one or more nations and designed to force another nation to comply with a legal, ethical, or moral code.
        The Council will impose sanctions on the small country if it continues to violate international laws.Trade has resumed now that economic sanctions have been lifted.
        definition 5: a principle, consideration, or influence that lends binding force to a moral law, rule of conduct, or the like.
        definition 6: an official decree or law.
        Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
         
        part of speech: transitive verb
        inflections: sanctions, sanctioning, sanctioned
        definition 1: to authorize or permit; allow.
        She sanctioned her son to sell her house and her other property.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
        synonyms:
        allow, authorize, empower, permit, warrant
        antonyms:
        interdict
        similar words:
        accredit, approve, countenance, endorse, entitle, legalize, license, pass, privilege, ratify
        definition 2: to approve of; support.
        The school does not sanction such behavior, and I can assure you that those who took part will be punished.The town does not sanction swimming in its reservoir but many do it just the same.[verb + gerund ] Her father reluctantly sanctioned her leaving home and getting her own apartment.[verb + possessive adj + gerund ]
        synonyms:
        allow, approve, back, endorse
        similar words:
        condone, consent, countenance, encourage, hold a brief for, OK, ratify, support
        Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
        derivations: sanctionable (adj.), sanctioned (adj.), sanctioner (n.)
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          behavior, law