As a noun, sanction has two almost directly opposed meanings.
In some contexts, it conveys the idea of authority or official approval.
- Terry needs your sanction before going ahead with the plan.
In other contexts, it refers to a penalty imposed in an effort to produce a desired behaviour.
- The United Nations applied trade sanctions against the rebels who had seized power.
As a verb, sanction means primarily “to authorize or legitimize.”
- The colonel not only sanctioned her soldiers’ actions, she applauded their courage.
- Canadian Amateur Wrestling sanctioned Calgary as the location for the 2000 Canada Cup.
The verb sanction is rarely used to mean “penalize.”
- He was sanctioned for violating the settlement.
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