Sanction

    sanc·tion

    from Latin sanction-, sanctio, from sancire to make holy -- more at SACRED 15th century

    : a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree

    2 a obsolete : a solemn agreement : OATH b : something that makes an oath binding

    : the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law

    : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action

    or determines moral judgment b : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's

    standards c : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : APPROBATION

    5 : an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert

    for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication

     

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