1. • noun - formal and explicit approval
   • noun - a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
   • noun - official permission or approval
   • noun - the act of final authorization
   • verb - give sanction to
   • verb - give authority or permission to
   • verb - give religious sanction to, such as through on oath
2. • Authoritative permission or approval that makes a course of action valid.
   • Support or encouragement, as from public opinion or established custom.
   • A consideration, an influence, or a principle that dictates an ethical choice.
   • A law or decree.
   • The penalty for noncompliance specified in a law or decree.
   • A penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure, that acts to ensure compliance or conformity.
   • A coercive measure adopted usually by several nations acting together against a nation violating international law.
   • To give official authorization or approval to: “The president, we are told, has sanctioned greed at the cost of compassion” (David Rankin).
   • To encourage or tolerate by indicating approval.

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