sanction

n. [ L. sanctio, from sancire, sanctum to render sacred or inviolable, to fix unalterably: cf. F. sanction. See Saint. ] 1. Solemn or ceremonious ratification; an official act of a superior by which he ratifies and gives validity to the act of some other person or body; establishment or furtherance of anything by giving authority to it; confirmation; approbation. [ 1913 Webster ]

The strictest professors of reason have added the sanction of their testimony. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Anything done or said to enforce the will, law, or authority of another; as, legal sanctions. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Ratification; authorization; authority; countenance; support. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Sanctioned p. pr. & vb. n. Sanctioning. ] To give sanction to; to ratify; to confirm; to approve. [ 1913 Webster ]

Would have counseled, or even sanctioned, such perilous experiments. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To ratify; confirm; authorize; countenance. [ 1913 Webster ]