noun An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
The whalers had been operating in the contested waters off the island with sanction from the Japanese government.
noun A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
The United States enacted a new round of sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa.
noun A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.
verb To ratify; to make valid.
verb To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
The school's inaction further sanctions this misbehavior.