Sanction
A penalty, punishment, or embargo. Same root as sanctity β something sacred and protected. (see also Embargo or Tariff)
How We Say It
sangkΒ·shΙn
Where It Comes From
Latin sanctio β act of making sacred or inviolable, from sancire β to make holy, to decree. Originally referred to the penalty clause of a law that gave it force. Acquired its meaning of 'approval' through the idea that what is decreed is thereby legitimized.
How It's Been Used
Uniquely, 'sanction' means both to authorize (the board sanctioned the decision) and to penalize (the country was sanctioned). In international relations, sanctions are economic penalties imposed on countries, companies, or individuals to change behavior β trade restrictions, asset freezes, travel bans. The US has more than 30 active sanctions programs. Research on their effectiveness is mixed: they impose costs but rarely achieve their stated political objectives without other pressure.