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Sanction Meaning: Definition and Examples

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sanction

[ˈsæŋkʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international relations

Sanction refers to a penalty or punishment imposed on a country by other countries or international organizations. Sanctions can include trade restrictions, economic penalties, or diplomatic measures.

Synonyms

penalty, punishment, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sanction

Use 'sanction' when referring to official actions taken by governments or organizations against countries, companies, or individuals for violating rules or laws.

  • The United Nations imposed sanctions on the country for violating human rights
penalty

Use 'penalty' in situations involving sports, laws, or financial contexts, often referring to a consequence for breaking rules or agreements.

  • He received a penalty for speeding
punishment

Use 'punishment' when referring to consequences for misbehavior, typically in social, familial, or educational contexts. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The child received a punishment for not completing his homework
restriction

Use 'restriction' when talking about limits or controls placed on someone’s actions or freedom, often for safety or regulatory reasons.

  • Due to the pandemic, there were restrictions on large gatherings

Examples of usage

  • The United Nations imposed sanctions on the country for violating human rights.
  • The sanctions imposed by the European Union had a significant impact on the country's economy.
Context #2 | Verb

official permission or approval

Sanction can also mean to give official permission or approval for an action. It is a formal approval or authorization granted by an authority.

Synonyms

approve, authorize, endorse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sanction

Sanction can have dual meanings. In a positive context, it refers to official permission or approval. In a negative context, it implies punishment or penalties imposed for disobedience or violations.

  • The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
  • The new policy was sanctioned by the board of directors.
approve

Approve is used when giving formal or official acceptance. It often appears in personal, professional, and administrative settings.

  • The committee approved the proposal.
  • The teacher approved the student's project.
authorize

Authorize is used when someone is given formal or official permission to do something. It is common in legal, administrative, and organizational settings.

  • The manager authorized the expenditure.
  • Only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point.
endorse

Endorse is used when someone publicly supports or recommends something, often seen in marketing, politics, and personal recommendations.

  • The celebrity endorsed the new product line.
  • The party leader endorsed the candidate.

Examples of usage

  • The government sanctioned the construction of a new hospital in the area.
  • The board of directors sanctioned the budget for the upcoming project.

Interesting Facts

International Relations

  • Sanctions are often used by countries to influence the behavior of other nations, affecting trade and diplomatic relations.
  • The United Nations uses sanctions to maintain global peace, often targeting countries that violate international laws.
  • Economic sanctions can lead to significant changes in a country's economy, sometimes causing hardship for regular people.

Legal Context

  • In law, sanctions can be penalties imposed by courts for failing to comply with a rule or court order.
  • They can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.
  • Legal sanctions are designed to deter future violations and promote adherence to the law.

Cultural Impact

  • The concept of sanctions has appeared in literature and films, often symbolizing moral dilemmas and conflicts.
  • Many modern protests and movements leverage the idea of sanctions to advocate for change, complicating its perception in popular discourse.
  • In sport, sanctions are often issued to maintain fairness, such as penalties for doping or rule violations.

Psychology

  • Knowledge of potential sanctions can affect behavior, as awareness of consequences often encourages compliance.
  • Psychological studies show that clear guidelines coupled with sanctions can shape community conduct effectively.
  • Perceptions of fairness in the application of sanctions influence how people respond to rules and authorities.

Origin of 'sanction'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sanctio', meaning a decree or penalty, which is linked to the idea of making something sacred.
  • In the 14th century, the term began to refer to both permissions and penalties, highlighting its dual meaning.
  • It originally described religious laws and has since evolved to include government actions and international relations.

The word 'sanction' originated from the Latin word 'sanctio', meaning 'law' or 'decree'. Over time, it evolved to refer to penalties or approvals in various contexts, reflecting the authority or power behind the decision.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,914 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.