sanction etymology

Etymology

The word "sanction" comes from the Latin word "sancire," which means "to make sacred, to decree, to ratify." It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sak-," which means "to bind."

Meaning and Origin

In its original Latin sense, "sanction" referred to a solemn act of ratification or decree made by a high authority, such as a religious or political leader. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass any form of authoritative approval or endorsement, as well as any penalty or punishment imposed for violating a law or rule.

In modern English, "sanction" has two primary meanings:

  1. Approval or Endorsement: A sanction can refer to official or informal approval or support given to a person, action, or policy. For example, a government may sanction a new trade agreement or a company may sanction a new product launch.

  2. Penalty or Punishment: A sanction can also refer to a penalty or punishment imposed on an individual, group, or state for violating a law or rule. Sanctions can range from economic restrictions, such as trade embargoes, to diplomatic measures, such as travel bans, to military action.

The use of sanctions as a tool of international diplomacy has become increasingly common in recent decades. Sanctions can be imposed by individual countries or groups of countries, such as the United Nations Security Council. The goal of sanctions is typically to pressure the targeted country or entity to change its behavior or policies.

sanction relate terms

  • saint

    Etymology The word saint comes from the Latin word sanctus which means holy or co

  • sacred

    Etymology The word sacred originates from the Latin word sacer which means holy

  • sacred

    Etymology The word sacred originates from the Latin word sacer which means holy

  • saint

    Etymology The word saint comes from the Latin word sanctus which means holy or co

  • sanction

    Etymology The word sanction comes from the Latin word sancire which means to make s

  • sanctions

    Etymology sanction noun late 16th century from French sanction from Latin sanctio

  • sanction

    Etymology The word sanction comes from the Latin word sancire which means to make s

  • approve

    Etymology Middle English approven from Anglo Norman French aprover approvere from L

  • countenance

    Etymology From Old French contenance appearance from Medieval Latin continentia

  • warrant

    Etymology The word warrant originates from the Old French term warant which in turn

  • sacrosanct

    Etymology Sacro Latin Sacred Sanctus Latin Holy Meaning Sacrosanct means

  • allowance

    Etymology French allowance meaning a grant of money Medieval Latin allowantia me

  • authoritative

    Etymology Authoritative Origin Latin auctōritās from auctor author maker creato

  • inauguration

    Etymology Inauguration derives from the Latin word inaugurare meaning to consecrate or

  • commendation

    Etymology Latin commendare to entrust recommend Composed of com together with

  • imprimatur

    Etymology Imprimatur derives from the Latin verb imprimo meaning to print Meaning