Words / C1

SANGKSHUN/ˈsæŋkʃn/

Sanction is a famous double word: official permission (without official sanction) and a penalty (sanctions against a state, impose sanctions). Context has to show which. Permission and penalty are the everyday poles. Do not write one sentence that could mean both.

Meaning

Official permission; also a penalty for breaking a rule (two opposite-feeling senses).

Examples

• “The trip lacked official sanction; later, sanctions followed the leak.”
• “The trip went ahead without the dean’s sanction, which here is permission.”
• “Trade sanctions followed the vote, which here is punishment, not a blessing.”

Good to know

Permission or a penalty — flag the sense. impose/lift sanctions (penalty). official sanction (permission). Never leave it ambiguous.

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