sanction

noun
UK /ˈsæŋkʃən/
US /ˈsæŋkʃən/

A sanction is a punishment given to a country or group that broke a rule.

The United Nations imposed a sanction on the country for testing weapons.

SYNONYMS

penaltypunishmentrestrictionembargo

RELATED WORDS

banfineapprovalpermission

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Official permission or approval for something.

The project received the sanction of the city council.

3. To officially approve or allow something.

The school sanctioned the new club.

4. To punish a country or group by limiting trade or contact.

The government decided to sanction the company for illegal trading.