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sanction

noun verb

a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
8
Starts with
S
Ends with
N
Contains
AN
Scrabble score
10
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˈsæŋkʃən

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

noun

  1. a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

noun

  1. the act of final authorization

    “it had the sanction of the church”

noun

  1. official permission or approval

    “authority for the program was renewed several times”

noun

  1. formal and explicit approval

    “a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement”

verb

  1. give sanction to

    “I approve of his educational policies”

verb

  1. give religious sanction to, such as through an oath

    “sanctify the marriage”

verb

  1. give authority or permission to

In context

Example Sentences

it had the sanction of the church
authority for the program was renewed several times
a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement
I approve of his educational policies
sanctify the marriage

Similar words

Synonyms

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