sanction
Meaning
an official order, such as the stopping of trade, that is taken against a country in order to make it obey international law
a punishment for disobeying a rule or law
official permission or approval for an action or change
to formally give permission for something
to punish a country or person for disobeying a rule or law
Structure
Usage
the un security council voted to impose economic sanctions on the country.
the school will sanction any student caught cheating on the exam.
the committee gave its sanction to the proposed changes in the bylaws.
Etymology
the word 'sanction' originates from the latin verb 'sancire', meaning 'to make sacred, to ratify, to decree'. this verb itself is derived from 'sanctus', the past participle meaning 'holy'. the core concept is that of making something inviolable or binding by religious or legal authority. from this dual origin, the modern english word developed its contradictory meanings: a formal authoritative approval (making something valid) and a punitive measure (a decree to enforce compliance), both stemming from the idea of a solemn, binding decree.
Analysis
sanct (from latin 'sanctus', meaning 'holy, consecrated', acting as a root conveying sacredness or inviolability). ion (from latin '-ionem', a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result).