German word

Sanktion

Pronunciation

IPA/zaŋkˈt͡si̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsanction

Example

Die Firma fürchtet Sanktionen.

The company fears sanctions.

Illustration for Sanktion (sanction)

More examples

Das Unternehmen drohte mit Sanktionen, falls die Regeln weiter verletzt würden.

The company threatened sanctions if the rules continued to be violated.

Core concept

A formal stamp of authority that can support a rule or restrict someone who violates it.

Common phrases

  • mit Sanktionen drohen

    threaten sanctions

  • harte Sanktionen

    harsh sanctions

  • internationale Sanktionen

    international sanctions

Similar words

Strafe: A punishment or fine imposed for illegal conduct or breaking a rule.
Maßnahme: An official action or policy taken to address a problem.

Definition in German

Sanktion ist eine offizielle Strafe oder Maßnahme, die bei Verstößen gegen Regeln oder Gesetze verhängt wird.

Word origin

Sanktion is a learned borrowing from French sanction, which developed from Latin sancire, meaning to establish or decree something.

Usage tips

  • Sanktion often means a punitive measure in German news and legal contexts, while English sanction also commonly means official approval.

Other meanings

  • penaltynoun
  • approvalnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • sanktionierensanctionverb
  • Sanktionspolitiksanctions policynoun

Word lists with this word