sanction

/ˈsæŋkʃən/ verb [T]

Definition

› to formally give permission for something: sanction a bid/deal The directors would only sanction an €18 million bid. The government has sanctioned 20% income tax relief .

› LAW to punish someone for not obeying a law or rule: sanction sb for (doing) sth The state is threatening to sanction employers for hiring illegal workers.

(Definition of sanction verb from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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