Definitions of sanction

1. To give indorsement to; to confirm; to approve; as, to sanction a marriage.

2. To give validity to: to authorize: to countenance.

3. To authorise; confirm.

4. To approve authoritatively; countenance.

5. give religious sanction to, such as through on oath; " sanctify the marriage"

6. To give validity or authority to; to ratify; to confirm.

7. To ratify or confirm; to give authority to; to countenance or support.

8. a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

9. Solemn or ceremonious ratification; an official act of a superior by which he ratifies and gives validity to the act of some other person or body; establishment or furtherance of anything by giving authority to it; confirmation; approbation.

10. Anything done or said to enforce the will, law, or authority of another; as, legal sanctions.

11. The act of giving authority to; authority; formal approval.

12. Act of ratifying, or giving authority to: confirmation: support.

13. Confirmation; support.

14. Authoritative confirmation; justification.

15. Ratification on the part of a superior; confirmation; penalty.

16. A confirming or giving authority or validity to; ratification; authority; influence or custom.