sanction

As a noun, sanction has two almost directly opposed meanings.

In some contexts, it conveys the idea of authority or official approval.

• Terry needs your sanction before going ahead with the plan.

In other contexts, it refers to a penalty imposed in an effort to produce a desired behaviour.

• The United Nations applied trade sanctions against the rebels who had seized power.

As a verb, sanction means primarily “to authorize or legitimize.”

• The colonel not only sanctioned her soldiers’ actions, she applauded their courage.

• Canadian Amateur Wrestling sanctioned Calgary as the location for the 2000 Canada Cup.

The verb sanction is rarely used to mean “penalize.”

• He was sanctioned for violating the settlement.

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