Webster's English Dictionary

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sanction

Cross references:
  1. approve               
 
1. sanc.tion \'san(k)-sh*n\ n [MF or L; MF, fr. L sanction-, sanctio, fr. 
   sanctus, pp. of (Xsancire to make holy - more at SACRED 1: a formal decree; 
   esp : an ecclesiastical decree  obs  2a: a solemn agreement : OATH  2b: 
   something that makes an oath binding  3: the detriment, loss of reward, or 
   other coercive intervention annexed to  a violation of a law as a means of 
   enforcing the law 4a: a consideration, principle, or influence (as of 
   conscience) that impels  to moral action or determines moral judgment 4b: a 
   mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards  4c: 
   explicit or official permission or ratification : APPROBATION  5: an 
   economic or military coercive measure adopted usu. by several nations  in 
   concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield 
   to adjudication
2. sanction \-sh(*-)nin\ vt or sanc.tion.ing 1: RATIFY, VALIDATE  2: to 
   give effective approval or consent to