The noun sanction, meaning "authoritative approval" or "a coercive measure," entered English in the 15th century, and originally referred to a formal decree or law, especially an ecclesiastical …

Many nations have imposed sanctions on the country because of its attacks on its own people. Trade/ economic sanctions will only be lifted (= stopped) when the aggressor nation withdraws …

What does sanction mean? Sanction has two main senses that are almost opposites: it can refer to authorizing or approving something, or to penalizing or disciplining someone or something.

Sanction Look up sanction in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. A sanction may be either a permission or a restriction, depending upon context, as the word is an auto-antonym. …

SANCTIONED definition: final permission ; authorization | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English

1) A financial penalty imposed by a judge on a party or attorney -- or the act of imposing such a penalty. 2) In international law, to impose economic constraints on trade against a country that …

Aug 19, 2025 · The term “sanction” carries two distinct meanings. It can refer to a penalty or coercive measure imposed for non-compliance, or it can signify official approval or permission.

Mar 22, 2022 · Sanctions refer to federal government actions restricting economic activity between the US and foreign entities, including people and other nations. These restrictions, …

Sanctions are penalties imposed by a court for violating legal rules or court orders. Florida judges may issue sanctions for discovery abuse, bad-faith filings, or failure to comply with procedural …

What Does Sanction Mean? According to Merriam-Webster, “sanction” is a verb that means to give official permission or official approval for something or to impose a penalty on someone.