Use Sanction in a sentence

The verb or noun 'sanction', frequently used in the context of church or government, has two opposing meanings. One meaning is 'to allow, to encourage' (verb), or 'authorization, permission' (noun). You could use these definitions in sentences such as:

We have the sanction of our company to undertake this procedure; the board is happy with our proposals and voted for the sanction.

The Church will probably refuse to sanction an annulment of the marriage in this case. Their sanction appears very unlikely.

The actor alleges he did not sanction the biography; he claims his sanction was not even sought.

The other meaning is 'to deter, to punish' (verb), or 'deterrent, punishment' (noun). Sentences using the term in this way include:

The UN voted to sanction the country until satisfied it intends to comply with international law; the sanctions will be lifted when the UN is certain this will happen.

If the couple continue with the wedding the Church may sanction them; this sanction will apply from the moment the ceremony is completed.

The actor believes he has a case for sanctioning the publishers and intends to seek sanctions against them unless they withdraw the unauthorized biography.