Sanction Meaning
/ˈsæŋkʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
nounA penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
Sentence Examples
That requires the sanction of the government.
It is necessary to obtain the sanction of the authorities to enter this building.
You'll see, God will sanction you and you'll realize it!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The project received the government's ____ after a long and careful review.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The international community agreed to impose economic ____ on the country.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French sanction, from Latin sānctiō.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The idea that it was more comfortable in the house than out of it, did much towards reconciling his lordship. He felt positively glad that, as his wife had acted without his sanction, she should be subject to all possible inconvenience, as if such could be felt in Henrietta's state of mind."
— 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Truth of Presentiments”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 306:
"Many of the most earnest Protestants were business men, to whom lending money at interest was essential. Consequently first Calvin, and then other Protestant divines, sanctioned interest."
— 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.21:
"The generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, can be duped into providing detailed advice on how to commit crimes — ranging from money laundering to the export of weapons to sanctioned countries — a tech startup found."
— 2024 October 23, Tricia Escobedo, “AI-generated crimes, a treasure mystery, quick thinking by bus passengers: Catch up on the day’s stories”, in CNN:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The project received the government's ____ after a long and careful review.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The international community agreed to impose economic ____ on the country.