sanctions

Noun

sanction (countable and uncountable, plural sanctions)

1. 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.

   Synonyms:

   approbation, consent, accedence, accession, allowance, approval, assent, assentment, authorization, OK

2. (in plural) 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.

   Synonyms:

   correction, punishment, boycott, embargo, censure, discipline, penalty, punition, sentence

3. A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.

See all 6 meanings of sanction