Definitions

1. noun

official permission or approval for something

“The government gave its sanction to the new trade agreement.”

2. noun

punishment or penalty for a rule or law being broken

“The company was fined as a sanction for violating environmental regulations.”

3. verb

to officially approve or permit something

“The government sanctioned the new business venture.”

4. verb

to punish or penalize someone for breaking a rule or law

“The country was sanctioned by the international community for its human rights abuses.”