Sanctioned
'sæŋkʃənd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo authorize or approve, often formally and officially. It implies a degree of legitimacy or validity.
'sæŋkʃən
To give official permission or approval for an action.
The United Nations sanctioned economic restrictions against the country.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents finally say it's okay for you to have a sleepover. They've 'sanctioned' it! It's like giving it the official go-ahead.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups say something is okay, they sanction it. Like when your mom says it's okay to eat ice cream for dessert!
More Examples
The principal sanctioned the field trip.
The company's actions were sanctioned by the board of directors.
How It's Used
"The government sanctioned the construction of a new highway."
"The board of directors sanctioned the merger."
To impose a penalty or punishment for a violation of a rule or law.
'sæŋkʃən
To impose a penalty on someone for a wrongdoing.
The company was sanctioned by the government for polluting the environment.
💡 Simply: Imagine you break a rule, and your parents give you a time-out. That's a type of 'sanction'. It means they are punishing you for breaking the rules.
👶 For kids: When someone does something bad, grown-ups might give them a sanction, like a time out or taking away a toy.
More Examples
Several athletes were sanctioned for using performance-enhancing drugs.
The school sanctioned the student for cheating.
How It's Used
"The international community sanctioned the country for human rights violations."
"The financial institution was sanctioned for engaging in fraudulent activities."
Having official approval or authorization.
'sæŋkʃənd
Officially authorized or approved.
The sanctioned funds were used to build the new hospital.
💡 Simply: If something is 'sanctioned' it's like it has a stamp of approval. Like, if you want to use a credit card to buy something online, the store needs to get sanctioned by your bank to do so.
👶 For kids: When something is sanctioned, it means it's been approved and is ok to do.
More Examples
The sanctioned measures aimed to reduce inflation.
The sanctioned event brought together artists from around the world.
How It's Used
"The sanctioned military operation was conducted in response to the crisis."
"The sanctioned documents were presented as evidence in the case."
Synonyms
Approve
Authorize
Endorse
Permit
Condemn
Fine
Punish
Approved
Authorized
Endorsed
Permitted
Antonyms
Disapprove
Forbid
Prohibit
Reject
Acquit
Pardon
Reward
Forbidden
Illegal
Prohibited
From Latin *sanctio* ('a decree, a sacred law'), derived from *sancire* ('to consecrate, to make sacred'). It entered English in the 16th century, initially related to religious contexts before expanding to legal and general approval.
Initially referring to religious or sacred matters, the word evolved to encompass legal and official approval over time.
Memory tip
Think of a government giving a 'stamp of approval' - it SANCTIONS the action.