sanction

/sˈæŋkʃən/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. formal and explicit approval
   “a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement”
2. a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
3. official permission or approval
   “authority for the program was renewed several times”
4. the act of final authorization
   “it had the sanction of the church”

verb

1. give sanction to
   “I approve of his educational policies”
2. give authority or permission to
3. give religious sanction to, such as through on oath
   “sanctify the marriage”

Synonyms for sanction

• countenance
• endorsement
• indorsement
• warrant
• imprimatur
• authority
• authorization
• authorisation
• approve
• O.K.
• okay