sanction
SANK-shun
/ˈsæŋkʃən/
(Noun) A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule; official permission or approval. (Verb) To give official permission; to impose a penalty.
This is a 'contronym'—a word that can mean its own opposite. It can mean 'to allow' or 'to punish.' In sociology, it usually refers to the rewards or punishments used to enforce norms.
The story behind the word. The root of 'sanction' is the Latin 'sancire', meaning 'to make sacred' or 'to decree.' Originally, a sanction was a law that was made 'holy' and therefore unchangeable. This led to two paths: if you follow the holy law, you have 'approval'; if you break it, you face the 'penalty.'
Word relationships
- penalty: A penalty is strictly a punishment, while a sanction can also be an approval.
- authorization: Authorization is only the 'approval' side of sanction.
- prohibition: A prohibition is a formal ban on something.
- reward: A reward is a positive incentive, though sociologically, a 'positive sanction' is a reward.
Commonly confused with
- sanctuary: A sanctuary is a place of safety; a sanction is a rule or punishment. Both come from the root for 'holy.'
Word family
- sanctioning (verb): The act of imposing a penalty or giving approval.
Collocations
- economic sanctions
- social sanctions
- official sanction
- impose sanctions
Idioms & expressions
- give the green light
Example sentences
- "The United Nations voted to impose economic sanctions on the country to protest its human rights record." Discussing international relations.
- "The king's marriage did not receive the official sanction of the church, leading to a constitutional crisis." Regarding social approval.
Memory hook
A 'sanction' can 'sanctify' (approve) or 'sink' (punish) you. The double-edged sword.
When not to use
Be careful with the context to ensure the reader knows if you mean 'approval' or 'punishment.'
Fun facts
- Sanction is one of the few words in English that is its own antonym, joining words like 'cleave' and 'dust.'
Related words
Also appears in
- Communication → Agreements & Affirmations
- Business → Globalization & Trade
- Law → International Law & Treaties
- Political Science & Governance → Geopolitics & International Relations
- Political Science & Governance → State Sovereignty & Statecraft
- Economic Theory & Analysis → International Trade & Tariffs
- Education & Pedagogy → Discipline & Classroom Management
- Political Science & Governance → Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Professionalism vs Amateurism
- Student Life & Schooling → Academic Integrity & Cheating
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Refereeing & Officiating
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