n. & v.
--n.
1. approval or encouragement given to an action etc. by custom or tradition; express permission.
2 confirmation or ratification of a law etc.
3 a a penalty for disobeying a law or rule, or a reward for obeying it. b a clause containing this.
4 Ethics a consideration operating to enforce obedience to any rule of conduct.
5 (esp. in pl.) military or esp. economic action by a State to coerce another to conform to an international agreement or norms of conduct.
6 Law hist. a law or decree.
--v.tr.
1. authorize, countenance, or agree to (an action etc.).
2 ratify; attach a penalty or reward to; make binding.
Derivatives:
sanctionable adj.
Etymology: F f. L sanctio -onis f. sancire sanct- make sacred