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Sanction: meaning, definitions 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

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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.