sanction

noun | \ ˈsaŋk-shən \ | sanc·tion

1. : a punitive or coercive measure or action that results from failure to comply with a law, rule, or order a sanction for contempt

2. : explicit or official approval

3. : an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication

transitive verb

1. : to give official approval or consent to : ratify

2. : to impose a sanction on sanctioned the lawyer for professional misconduct