sanction meaning and definition

SANCTION noun

Definition of sanction (noun)

1. formal and explicit approval
   • "a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement"
   • synonyms: countenance, endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, warrant
2. a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
3. official permission or approval
   • "authority for the program was renewed several times"
   • synonyms: authorisation, authority, authorization
4. the act of final authorization
   • "it had the sanction of the church"

SANCTION verb

Definition of sanction (verb)

1. give sanction to
   • "I approve of his educational policies"
   • synonyms: approve, O.K., okay
   • antonym: disapprove
2. give authority or permission to
3. give religious sanction to, such as through on oath
   • "sanctify the marriage"