[sanc.tion] n [MF or L; MF, fr. L sanction-, sanctio, fr. sancire to make holy--more at sacred] (15c) 1: a formal decree; esp: an ecclesiastical decree
2. a obs: a solemn agreement: oath b: something that makes an oath binding
3: the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law
4. a: a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment b: a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards c: explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification: approbation
5: an economic or military coercive measure adopted usu. by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication
[2]sanction vt sanc.tioned ; sanc.tion.ing (1778) 1: to make valid or binding usu. by a formal procedure (as ratification)
2: to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to syn see approve -- sanc.tion.able adj