sanction

Pronunciation: /ˈseɪ̯ŋkʃən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun formal and explicit approval
  2. noun a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
  3. noun official permission or approval

Etymology

From Middle French sanction, from Latin sānctiō.

In classic literature

Synonyms

countenance, endorsement, indorsement, warrant, imprimatur

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
approval
Narrower (hyponyms)
nihil obstat, o, visa

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