Sanction can have two main meanings, depending on the context:
- To approve or authorize: In this sense, to sanction something means to officially approve, authorize, or endorse an action, agreement, or decision. It suggests giving permission or validating a decision or action.
- To impose a penalty or punishment: Sanction can also refer to an action taken to punish or penalize someone for violating rules, laws, or agreements. This usage is common in international law or organizational policies, where sanctions are imposed to enforce compliance.
In Indonesian, sanction can be translated as menyetujui (when referring to approval) or sanksi (when referring to punishment or penalty).
Synonyms:
- Approve
- Authorize
- Endorse
- Permit
- Ratify
- Confirm
- Validate
- Allow
- Punish
- Penalize
- Discipline
- Reprimand
- Rebuke
- Condemn
- Bar
Sentences Using “Sanction”:
- The committee has sanctioned the new policy to take effect next month.
- The government imposed strict sanctions on the country for violating international trade agreements.
- The school’s administration has sanctioned the event, ensuring that it meets all safety regulations.
- They sanctioned the project after a thorough review of its potential benefits and risks.
- The UN sanctioned the military intervention to restore peace in the region.
- He was sanctioned by the university for his involvement in the cheating scandal.
- The board sanctioned the acquisition of the new company, signaling a new direction for the business.
- The company sanctioned the use of overtime to meet production deadlines.
- The athlete was sanctioned for violating the rules of the competition.
- The council sanctioned the new zoning law to allow for more residential development.
Related Words:
- Approve
- Authorize
- Endorse
- Ratify
- Confirm
- Permit
- Allow
- Validate
- Give the green light
- Penalize
- Punish
- Reprimand
- Condemn
- Reproach
- Bar
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Sanction”:
- Sign off on (to formally approve or sanction something, often in writing)
- Give the go-ahead (to officially sanction or approve a plan or action)
- Call the shots (to be the authority that sanctions or makes final decisions)
- Give the nod (to approve or sanction something, often informally)
- Clear the way (to make official or sanction something, allowing it to move forward)
- Lay down the law (to impose penalties or sanctions, especially in a firm manner)
- Back up (to support or sanction a decision or action, often with evidence or authority)
- Draw the line (to establish limits or boundaries, often sanctioning actions that go beyond them)
- Hold accountable (to sanction or punish someone for their actions or violations)
- Set the record straight (to correct something by imposing sanctions or clarifications)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Sanction”:
- Give the thumbs up (to approve or sanction something, signaling agreement or permission)
- Put one’s stamp of approval on (to officially sanction or approve something)
- Put the kibosh on (to impose a penalty or prevent something, often by sanctioning it)
- Give the green light (to officially sanction something, allowing it to proceed)
- Take the heat (to bear the consequences or sanctions of an action)
- In hot water (to be facing punishment or sanctions due to one’s actions)
- A slap on the wrist (a mild punishment or sanction for an offense)
- Bite the bullet (to accept the consequences or sanctions of a difficult decision)
- Toughen up (to impose stricter sanctions or penalties to enforce compliance)
- Call out (to publicly criticize or sanction someone for wrongdoing)
