sanction

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈsæŋkʃən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular sanction

Plural sanctions

1. A sanction is an approval by an authority that makes something valid.
2. A sanction is a penalty, punishment intended to ensure compliance.

   Sanctions were placed on the company by the government.

Verb

Plain form sanction

Third-person singular sanctions

Past tense sanctioned

Past participle sanctioned

Present participle sanctioning

1. (transitive) If something is being sanctioned, it was given official authorization or approval.

   The scheme was sanctioned by the court.

2. (transitive) If someone is sanctioning something, they are penalizing it with sanctions.