Homonym: Sanction (Approval)
A sanction is a penalty or restriction imposed by one country or group of countries on another to influence behavior or enforce international laws. Sanctions can take various forms, including economic measures like trade restrictions, financial penalties, or diplomatic actions such as reducing diplomatic ties. They are often used to address issues like human rights violations or military aggression.
Sanctions aim to compel a change in policy or behavior without resorting to military action. For example, the United Nations may impose sanctions on a country that violates international norms, hoping to encourage compliance through pressure rather than conflict.