[ˈsaŋ(k)ʃn], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule
(e.g: a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse)

- official permission or approval for an action
(e.g: he appealed to the bishop for his sanction)


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English (as a noun denoting an ecclesiastical decree): from French, from Latin sanctio(n-), from sancire ‘ratify’. The verb dates from the late 18th century

[ˈsaŋ(k)ʃn], (Verb)

Definitions:
- give official permission or approval for (an action)
(e.g: the scheme was sanctioned by the court)

- impose a sanction or penalty on
(e.g: foreigners in France illegally should be sent home, their employers sanctioned and border controls tightened up)


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English (as a noun denoting an ecclesiastical decree): from French, from Latin sanctio(n-), from sancire ‘ratify’. The verb dates from the late 18th century