Definition of "sanction"

sanction

/ˈsæŋkʃən/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural sanctions
1. An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
  Quotations
  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, […], page 306
2. A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
3. A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.
verb
third-person singular simple present sanctions, present participle sanctioning, simple past and past participle sanctioned
1. (transitive) To ratify; to make valid.
2. (transitive) To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
  Quotations
  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
3. (transitive) To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.