1. (noun) An official order or law that punishes a person, group, or country for breaking a rule or law
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
O governo impôs sanções econômicas ao país.
2. (noun) Approval, permission, or authorization from an authority
The project has the sanction of the board of directors.
O projeto tem a sanção do conselho de administração.
3. (verb) To officially approve or authorize something
The treaty was sanctioned by all member states.
O tratado foi sancionado por todos os estados-membros.
4. (verb) To impose a penalty or punishment on someone
The athlete was sanctioned for doping violations.
O atleta foi sancionado por violações de doping.