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sanction

sanction, penalty

noun sahn-SYOHN Rare
People & Society Law

Origin: Latin sanctio

Also means

approval, authorization

Usage Note

Sanction is a classic 'Janus word' in French: it can mean a punitive measure (des sanctions économiques = economic sanctions) or, in formal/legal usage, official approval (la sanction d'une loi = enactment of a law). Context almost always disambiguates. The verb sanctionner shares both meanings.

Examples

"Des sanctions ont été imposées au pays."

Natural Translation

Sanctions were imposed on the country.

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