sanction
sanction
(sæŋkʃən )Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense sanctions , present participle sanctioning , past tense, past participle sanctioned
1. verb
If someone in authority sanctions an action or practice, they officially approve of it and allow it to be done.
He may now be ready to sanction the use of force. [VERB noun]
He seemed to be preparing to sanction an increase in public borrowing. [VERB noun]
2. plural noun
Sanctions are measures taken by countries to restrict trade and official contact with a country that has broken international law.
The continued abuse of human rights has now led the United States to impose sanctions against the regime. [+ against/on]
He expressed his opposition to the lifting of sanctions.
3. countable noun
4. verb
If a country or an authority sanctions another country or a person for doing something, it declares that the country or person is guilty of doing it and imposes sanctions on them.
...their failure to sanction Japan for butchering whales in violation of international conservation treaties. [VERB noun]
