sanction

sanc·tion

ˈsaNG(k)SH(ə)n/

noun

1.

a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.

"a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse"

synonyms:penalty, punishment, deterrent;More

2.

official permission or approval for an action.

"he appealed to the bishop for his sanction"

synonyms:authorization, consent, leave,permission, authority, warrant,license, dispensation, assent,acquiescence, agreement, approval,approbation, endorsement,accreditation, ratification, validation,blessing, imprimatur; More

verb

1.

give official permission or approval for (an action).

"only two treatments have been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration"

synonyms:authorize, permit, allow, warrant,accredit, license, endorse, approve,accept, back, support; 

informalOK

"the rally was sanctioned by the government"

2.

impose a sanction or penalty on.

synonyms:punish, discipline someone for

"the penalties available to sanction crime"