sanction has definitions from the field of sociology
1
[ verb ] give sanction to

Synonyms

approve o.k. okay ok

Examples

"I approve of his educational policies"

Used in print

(Joyce O. Hertzler, American Social Institutions;...)

Historically , religion has also functioned as a tremendous engine of vindication , enforcement , sanction , and perpetuation of various other institutions .

2
[ noun ] formal and explicit approval

Examples

"a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement"

Used in print

(Joyce O. Hertzler, American Social Institutions;...)

Among primitive peoples the sanctions and dictates of religion were more binding than any of the other controls exercised by the group ; and in modern societies such influence is still great .

(S. J. Perelman, The Rising Gorge. New York:...)

My object , rather , is to alert you to an aspect or two of the affair that could have the gravest implications for you , far beyond the legal sanctions society might inflict .

3
[ noun ] (sociology) a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

Used in print

(J. H. Hexter, "Thomas More: On the Margins...)

The Utopians brace conscience with legal sanctions .

Related terms

social_control

4
[ verb ] give authority or permission to

Used in print

(Joyce O. Hertzler, American Social Institutions;...)

In America also all_of our major religious bodies officially sanction a universalistic ethic which is reflective of our common religion .

Related terms

authorize empower

5
[ verb ] give religious sanction to, such as through on oath

Examples

"sanctify the marriage"

Related terms

approve

6
[ noun ] official permission or approval

Examples

"authority for the program was renewed several times"

Related terms

permission grant

7
[ noun ] the act of final authorization

Synonyms

authority

Examples

"it had the sanction of the church"

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