sanction
Translation
sanction, penalty, permission
Examples
The UN imposed sanctions on the country.
The UN imposed sanctions on the country.
The plan has the sanction of the board.
The plan has the sanction of the board.
Grammar Patterns
((sanctions)) against sb./sth. a penalty against sb./sth. The UN imposed sanctions against the country.
((the sanction)) of sb./sth. the approval of sb./sth. The plan needs the sanction of the committee.
Similar Words
Synonyms (penalty): penalty, embargo; Synonyms (approval): approval, permission; Antonyms (approval): ban, prohibition
Etymology
From Latin 'sanctus' (holy), originally a sacred decree. Something sacred can both give approval and inflict punishment.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'saint' (from the same root 'sanct-') who can either give a blessing (approval) or a punishment (penalty). Context is key.