Asked by Eli
sanction
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GPT-5 mini
AI
"Sanction" is a word with two opposite common meanings (a contronym). Context decides which is intended.
Meanings
- Noun
1. Official permission or approval: "The committee gave its sanction to the project."
2. A penalty or restrictive measure imposed for breaking rules or laws: "The country faces economic sanctions."
- Verb
1. To authorize or give official approval to: "The council sanctioned the new policy."
2. To impose a penalty on; to punish or restrict: "The league sanctioned the player for unsportsmanlike conduct."
Pronunciation: /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/
Examples
- Approve sense: "The festival was sanctioned by the city."
- Punish sense: "The corporation was sanctioned for violating safety rules."
- International context: "Sanctions" commonly refers to trade/financial penalties between states.
Synonyms
- Approve sense: authorize, endorse, ratify, allow
- Penalize sense: punish, penalize, fine, censure, embargo
Usage tip
Because it can be ambiguous, use a clearer word when needed (e.g., "authorize" or "penalize") if you want to avoid confusion.
Would you like example sentences for a specific context (legal, diplomatic, workplace)?
Meanings
- Noun
1. Official permission or approval: "The committee gave its sanction to the project."
2. A penalty or restrictive measure imposed for breaking rules or laws: "The country faces economic sanctions."
- Verb
1. To authorize or give official approval to: "The council sanctioned the new policy."
2. To impose a penalty on; to punish or restrict: "The league sanctioned the player for unsportsmanlike conduct."
Pronunciation: /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/
Examples
- Approve sense: "The festival was sanctioned by the city."
- Punish sense: "The corporation was sanctioned for violating safety rules."
- International context: "Sanctions" commonly refers to trade/financial penalties between states.
Synonyms
- Approve sense: authorize, endorse, ratify, allow
- Penalize sense: punish, penalize, fine, censure, embargo
Usage tip
Because it can be ambiguous, use a clearer word when needed (e.g., "authorize" or "penalize") if you want to avoid confusion.
Would you like example sentences for a specific context (legal, diplomatic, workplace)?
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