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Intermediate Dictionary        

sanc·tion

sanction

 
 
pronunciation:
saengk shn
parts of speech:
noun, verb
features:
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: permission for an action; approval.
The principal gave our teacher sanction for our field trip to New York City.
synonyms:
approval, consent, leave, license, permission
similar words:
blessing
definition 2: public support for an action.
The president's decision had the sanction of the people.
synonyms:
approval, assent
definition 3: something to make sure that a law is obeyed; a punishment for not obeying a law.
The government has imposed new sanctions in an attempt to stop the killing of endangered animals.
synonyms:
penalty
definition 4: an action taken by one or more nations with the purpose of forcing another nation to obey laws or behave morally.
Stopping trade with a country that has broken international laws is one type of sanction.
 
part of speech: verb
inflections: sanctions, sanctioning, sanctioned
definition: to approve of; support.
I do not sanction such rude behavior.
synonyms:
approve, back, endorse
similar words:
consent, encourage, OK, ratify, support
derivations: sanctionable (adj.), sanctioned (adj.), sanctioner (n.)
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  behavior, law