What does sanction mean?
Sanction is a formal word with two contrasting but related meanings. In its approving sense, it means to authorize or permit something, as when a committee sanctions a proposal, and it can also mean the granting of official approval. In its punitive sense, a sanction is a penalty imposed for violating a rule, law, or political undertaking; economic sanctions, for example, restrict trade or financial activity as a form of pressure. Because the approving and punitive senses oppose one another, the context of a sentence is crucial. Sanction is especially common in law, government, diplomacy, institutional administration, and international relations, where decisions and consequences are formally imposed. Although sanction can sound severe, it is not restricted to punishment: in phrases such as “sanctioned by the board,” it simply conveys authorization.
To authorize, approve, or give formal permission to a person, action, or plan.
"The council sanctioned the construction of a new library."
Formal and especially common in legal, governmental, and institutional contexts.
A penalty, punishment, or restrictive measure imposed for a violation; also, the formal approval or authorization of an act.
"The violation led to the imposition of severe sanctions."
The plural is especially common for penalties or restrictive measures imposed by governments, organizations, or international bodies.
"The country faced financial sanctions after the coup."
One word can mean both a green light and a punishment: to sanction an act is to permit it, while sanctions are penalties imposed for wrongdoing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sanction come from?
The word comes through French from Latin sanctio, a noun meaning “a decree,” “ruling,” or “ratification,” derived from sancire, “to ratify” or “make sacred.” Its earliest English uses referred to an authoritative decree or act of approval. The later development of a punitive meaning, especially in the plural sanctions, reflects the idea of a penalty imposed or enforced by authority.
Related word forms
How sanction is actually used
The word is formal in both its approving and punitive senses. In the approving sense, it is especially common in legal, governmental, and institutional contexts; in the punitive sense, it is frequently used with economic, military, or diplomatic measures. Context is important because sanction can denote either permission or a penalty.