sanctions
Pronunciation: [ˈsæŋkʃənz]
Context: "government action"
(noun) sanctions are actions taken by a country to punish another country, often by limiting trade or other interactions. It's like putting someone in timeout when they do something wrong.
Example
The government imposed sanctions on the country to encourage them to change their behavior.
Example
Sanctions did not stop the country from continuing its activities.
Example
What kind of sanctions are currently being enforced against that nation?
Context: "rules"
(noun) sanctions can also mean rules or penalties used to make sure people follow certain guidelines or laws, like a teacher giving a warning for breaking classroom rules.
Example
The school has sanctions in place for students who cheat on tests.
Example
There were no sanctions for students who broke the rules, so everyone did as they pleased.
Example
What sanctions does the school have for lateness?
Context: "approve"
(verb) to sanction something means to officially allow or approve it, like when a coach gives permission for a player to join the team.
Example
The principal sanctioned the new school project.
Example
The committee did not sanction the proposed changes to the schedule.
Example
Did the board sanction the new policy changes?