sanction sanction /ˈsæŋkʃən/

noun

1. () Formal and explicit approval  ( endorsement , indorsement , warrant , countenance , imprimatur , sanction )
   formal and explicit approval
    A Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement
   a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement
   
2. () A mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards  ( sanction )
   a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
   
3. The act of final authorization  ( sanction )
   the act of final authorization
    It had the sanction of the church
   it had the sanction of the church
   
4. Official permission or approval  ( authorisation [British] , authorization , sanction , authority )
   official permission or approval
    Authority for the program was renewed several times
   authority for the program was renewed several times
   

verb

1. () Give sanction to  ( O.K. , okay , sanction , approve )
   give sanction to
    I approve of his educational policies
   I approve of his educational policies
   
2. () Give authority or permission to  ( sanction )
   give authority or permission to
   
3. Give religious sanction to, such as through on oath  ( sanction )
   give religious sanction to, such as through on oath
    Sanctify the marriage
   sanctify the marriage