sanction
/ˈsæŋkʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsæŋkʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsaŋ(k)-shən/ (ame, mw) · /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/ (ame, ipa)
sanction — noun
- sanctionsingular
- sanctionsplural
1. an official measure taken by one or more countries to limit trade, financial dea
an official measure taken by one or more countries to limit trade, financial dealings, or diplomatic relations with another nation, usually to force it to obey international law
The UN imposed sanctions on the nation after it refused to halt its weapons program.
collocation: impose sanctions on [country]
Several nations agreed to lift sanctions after the government allowed aid into the region.
Kabir's company lost millions because of the trade sanctions against its main export partner.
Human rights groups called for stricter sanctions on the regime following the crackdown on protesters.
- embargo
narrower — specifically a ban on trade in certain goods, not the full range of financial/diplomatic measures
- restriction
more general; not limited to international law enforcement
- aid
financial or material assistance, opposite of punitive restriction
文法句型
impose sanctions on [country]
lift/ease sanctions on [country]
用法筆記
Frequently used with impose, lift, ease, or tighten. Subject is typically a government, international body (UN, EU), or coalition of countries. The plural sanctions is the standard form in this sense.
常見錯誤
2. a penalty or coercive action that authorities apply to individuals or groups who
a penalty or coercive action that authorities apply to individuals or groups who break a legal or institutional rule
The school's disciplinary committee established sanctions for students who cheat during final exams.
Under the new law, companies face severe financial sanctions if they violate environmental regulations.
collocation: face financial sanctions
Indra received a two-year sanction from the sport after testing positive for banned substances.
Legal sanctions for insider trading can include both heavy fines and prison time.
- penalty
more general; a penalty can be automatic (late fee), whereas a sanction implies an authority actively imposing it
- punishment
broader; can refer to personal or physical consequences, not just institutional ones
- reward
positive incentive rather than negative consequence
文法句型
impose a sanction on [person/organization]
face sanctions for [offence]
用法筆記
Common collocations include face sanctions, impose sanctions on, under sanction. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense applies to domestic law, institutions, and organizations, not international relations.
3. formal or official permission given for an action, plan, or change to proceed
formal or official permission given for an action, plan, or change to proceed
The board of directors gave its sanction to the merger after months of careful review.
collocation: give (one's) sanction to [something]
The treaty requires the sanction of all member states before it can take effect.
The ministry granted official sanction for Liang's research project to begin in January.
Nothing could be done without the sanction of the city council.
- approval
less formal and broader; can be given informally or by individuals
- authorization
focuses on permission to act rather than agreement with the action
- ratification
more specific — making something officially valid after it has been agreed
- veto
official rejection or refusal to allow
文法句型
give (one's) sanction to [something]
with/without the sanction of [authority]
用法筆記
More formal than approval. Frequently used in legal, governmental, or institutional contexts. Verb counterpart is the approve sense of sanction (verb sense 1). Distinguish from noun sense 2 by looking at the object: if something is 'given sanction' (approval) vs. 'subjected to sanctions' (punishment).
常見錯誤
sanction — verb
- sanctionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sanctions3rd person singular
- sanctioning-ing form
- sanctionedpast simple
1. to give official permission or approval for something, especially through a form
to give official permission or approval for something, especially through a formal decision-making process
The local government sanctioned the construction of a new hospital in the rural district.
The committee refused to sanction the use of the building for commercial events.
The university sanctioned a new scholarship program for students from low-income families.
The health authority sanctioned the trial after reviewing safety data from Dahlia's team.
文法句型
sanction [something]
be sanctioned by [authority]
用法筆記
Subject is usually an authority figure or institution (government, committee, board). More formal than approve; implies a procedural or legal process rather than personal agreement.
常見錯誤
2. to impose a penalty or punishment on someone or an organization for failing to o
to impose a penalty or punishment on someone or an organization for failing to obey a rule or law
The medical board sanctioned Dr. Folake for performing unauthorized procedures on patients.
pattern: sanction [person] for [offence]
The lawyer was sanctioned by the court for repeatedly missing filing deadlines.
passive: be sanctioned by [authority] for [offence]
The league sanctioned the player for using offensive language during the match.
Three officers were sanctioned for misconduct after the internal investigation concluded.
- penalize
similar formality; more common in sports and competitions
- discipline
broader — can include training and correction, not just punishment
文法句型
sanction [person] for [offence]
be sanctioned for [offence]
用法筆記
Commonly used in professional, legal, or sporting contexts. The penalty is typically a formal, institutional punishment (fine, suspension, ban), not physical punishment. Distinguish from verb sense 1 by the object type: a thing (plan, project) → approve; a person (doctor, lawyer, player) → punish.