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sanction

SANGK-shuhn /ˈsæŋkʃən/

nounverbC1GREGMATUPSC

formallegalpolitical

A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule; (as a verb) to impose a penalty, or to give official permission/approval.

A contronym (a word with opposite meanings). In sports governance, it usually refers to a severe punishment (noun) or the official approval of a tournament (verb).

The story behind the word. The Latin verb 'sancire' meant to make something sacred or legally binding. Originally, a 'sanction' was a law that made an agreement holy and unbreakable. Over time, the word split: it came to mean both the official approval that makes a law valid, and the punishment designed to enforce it.

Word relationships

penalty: A penalty is a direct punishment for a specific rule break, while a sanction is often a broader, systemic punishment imposed by a governing body.
authorize: Authorize means to give official permission, which is synonymous with the positive verb form of sanction.

prohibit: Prohibit means to forbid something, which is the opposite of the positive verb 'sanction' (to approve).

Commonly confused with

sanctuary: A sanctuary is a place of safety or holy refuge, while a sanction is a penalty or official approval.

Word family

sanctions (noun): Plural form, often referring to international economic penalties.

Collocations

impose a sanction
official sanction
sanction a tournament

Example sentences

"The international federation imposed a heavy sanction on the club for financial irregularities." Sports governing body penalty
"The athletic association refused to sanction the unofficial tournament, warning players they could face bans." Official approval

Memory hook

Think of a 'sanctuary' (safe place) that you can only enter if you have 'sanction' (official approval), otherwise you face a 'sanction' (penalty). The double-edged sword of law.

When not to use

Be careful with context; do not use 'sanction' as a verb when you want to clearly express disapproval, as it can be misread as granting permission.

Fun facts

Sanction is one of the most famous 'contronyms' in the English language—words that are their own opposites. You can sanction (approve) a behavior, or sanction (punish) a behavior.