Definition of Sanction
Quick Meaning of Sanction
To officially allow something. OR to punish someone by restricting trade or taking other official action.
Detailed Definition of Sanction
To officially permit or approve something; OR paradoxically, to impose a penalty or punishment on someone or a country.
How to Pronounce Sanction
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: SANK-shun. The second syllable is unstressed.
Watch out: Learners sometimes stress both syllables equally (SANK-SHUN) or the second syllable (san-SHUN). Correct: SANK-shun (first syllable stressed).
Origin and Etymology of Sanction
From Latin 'sanctio' (decree, confirmation). Root 'sanctus' means 'holy, sacred, inviolable'. Entered English in 14th century. The two opposite meanings developed from the single origin: approval and enforcement of rules both require official authority.
How to Use Sanction in a Sentence
Each example shows “sanction” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The government sanctioned the construction of a new highway.”
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“The UN sanctioned the country for violating human rights agreements.”
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“The ethics committee sanctioned the research protocol as safe and ethical.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sanction
Common Synonyms for Sanction
Smart Synonyms for Sanction — When to Use Each
- approve
- Simpler; to agree something is good (positive meaning
- authorize
- To give official permission (positive meaning only)
- penalize
- To impose punishment (negative meaning only)
Common Collocations with Sanction
These phrases pair with “sanction” in everyday English:
- sanction a project
- sanction a country
- sanction research
- economic sanctions
- international sanctions
Common Mistakes When Using Sanction
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sanction”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The committee sanctioned the student for cheating.
- ✓ Correct: The committee sanctioned the student for cheating. [IF meaning punishment] / The committee approved the student's research [IF meaning approval]. Note: This sentence is ambiguous with 'sanction'.
- Why: Use caution: 'sanctioned for' can mean either approved or punished. In this context (committee action for misconduct), readers will likely interpret it as punishment, which works here.
- ✗ Wrong: They sanctioned that the event would happen.
- ✓ Correct: They sanctioned the event. / They authorized the event to happen.
- Why: 'Sanction' takes a noun object, not a that-clause. Use 'authorize' for permission structures.
- ✗ Wrong: The government sanctions the new policy yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: The government sanctioned the new policy yesterday.
- Why: Past tense of sanction is 'sanctioned' (regular). Use correct past tense in past time contexts.
Other Forms of Sanction
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanction
What is the meaning of "Sanction"?
To officially allow something. OR to punish someone by restricting trade or taking other official action.
How do you pronounce "Sanction"?
The IPA is /ˈsæŋkʃən/. Stress the first syllable: SANK-shun. The second syllable is unstressed.
What part of speech is "Sanction"?
"Sanction" is a verb at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sanction"?
Common synonyms include approve, authorize, permit.
How do you use "Sanction" in a sentence?
For example: "The government sanctioned the construction of a new highway."