sanction

1. A penalty for disobeying a rule or law.

   synonyms:penaltypunishment

2. Official permission or approval for an action.

   synonyms:approvalauthorization

The word 'sanction' comes from the Latin 'sanctio', which means 'a decree' or 'a penalty'. It entered English in the late 14th century, originally referring to ecclesiastical laws.

The word is commonly used in legal, political, and everyday contexts, often to describe actions taken against violations or approvals granted.

While 'sanction' is frequently used in legal and political discussions, it may not be encountered daily by the average person.

The government imposed economic sanctions on the country to deter its aggressive actions.

She received a sanction from the board for her outstanding achievements in the project.

The athlete faced a sanction after testing positive for a banned substance.

The word 'sanction' is a fascinating example of how language evolves. With roots in Latin, it carries both the weight of punishment and the lightness of approval, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Whether you're discussing international relations, legal decisions, or even workplace policies, 'sanction' is a versatile term that pops up in various contexts. Its dual meanings reflect the complexities of rules and regulations in our lives.