Sanction Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of SANCTION

formal

1

[count]

:

an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc.

— usually plural

• The United Nations has decided to impose trade/economic sanctions on the country.

— often + against

• Sanctions against the country have been lifted.

2

[noncount]

:

official permission or approval

• The country acted without the sanction of the other nations.
• Their policy has/lacks legal sanction.

Britannica Dictionary definition of SANCTION

:

to officially accept or allow (something)

• The government has sanctioned the use of force.
• His actions were not sanctioned by his superiors.