sanction
noun
uk/ˈsæŋkʃən/ us [ C, usually plural ] POLITICS
an official order to stop or limit trade or communication with a country in order to make it obey international law:
sanctions on sth This averted the threat of American sanctions on Japanese car exports.
impose sanctions against/on sb The UN Security Council imposed sanctions on the country to curb its nuclear program.
economic/financial/trade sanctions
drop/ease/lift sanctions
apply/enforce sanctions
international sanctions
[ C ] LAW
a punishment given when someone does not obey a rule or a law:
criminal/legal sanctions
The State Department needs to determine how it will apply sanctions.
He could face sanctions if a judge concludes he violated the terms of his probation.
[ U ] LAW
formal or legal approval or permission:
sanction for sth Agricultural companies in the area cannot get official sanction for logging.
sanction
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈsæŋkʃən/ usto formally give permission for something:
sanction a bid/deal The directors would only sanction an €18 million bid.
The government has sanctioned 20% income tax relief .
LAW
to punish someone for not obeying a law or rule:
sanction sb for (doing) sth The state is threatening to sanction employers for hiring illegal workers.