authoritative permission or approval, as for an action.

something that serves to support an action, condition, etc.

something that gives binding force, as to an oath, rule of conduct, etc.

Law .

a provision of a law enacting a penalty for disobedience or a reward for obedience.

the penalty or reward.

International Law . action by one or more states toward another state calculated to force it to comply with legal obligations.

to authorize, approve, or allow

an expression now sanctioned by educated usage.

to ratify or confirm

to sanction a law.

to impose a sanction on; penalize, esp. by way of discipline.

noun

disapproval , prevention , refusal , veto , award , honor , reward

verb

disapprove , prevent , refuse , veto

noun

acquiescence , allowance , approbation , approval , assent , authority , backing , confirmation , consent , countenance , encouragement , endorsement , fiat , go-ahead * , green light * , leave , nod , okay * , permission , permit , ratification , recommendation , seal of approval , stamp of approval , sufferance , support , word , ban , boycott , coercive measure , command , decree , injunction , penalty , punitive measure , sentence , writ , authorization , license , affirmation , interdict , interdiction , credit , dispensation , imprimatur , indulgence , punishment , suffrage

verb

accredit , allow , approve , back , bless , certify , commission , countenance , empower , endorse , get behind * , give the go-ahead , give the green light , give the nod , go for * , license , okay * , permit , ratify , support , vouch for , warrant , approbate , authorize , consent , let , adopt , affirm , pass , abet , assent , authorization , boycott , confirm , confirmation , decree , embargo , encourage , encouragement , endorsement , fiat , legalize , okay , penalty , permission , ratification , vouchsafe