Sanction

(săngk'shun), n. [Lat. sanctio, from sancire, sanctum, to render sacred or inviolable, to fix unalterably; Fr. sanction, Sp. sancion, It. sanzione.] 1. 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 of any thing as valid, or giving authority to it; confirmation; approbation and acceptance; support. The strictest professors of reason have added the sanction of their testimony. Watts. 2. Any thing done or said to enforce the will, law, or authority of another; as, legal sanctions. Syn.—Ratification; authorization; authority; countenance; support.