1. (正式)认可，准许，批准
    If someone in authority sanctions an action or practice, they officially approve of it and allow it to be done.

    e.g. He may now be ready to sanction the use of force...
           他现在可能打算批准使用武力。
    e.g. He seemed to be preparing to sanction an increase in public borrowing.
           他似乎正准备批准增加公共贷款。

2. (对某国的)制裁
    Sanctions are measures taken by countries to restrict trade and official contact with a country that has broken international law.

    e.g. In 1935 the League of Nations imposed sanctions against Italy following its invasion of Ethiopia.
           1935 年国际联盟在意大利入侵埃塞俄比亚之后对其实施了制裁。
    e.g. He expressed his opposition to the lifting of sanctions.
           他对解除制裁表示反对。

3. 处罚;制裁;惩罚
    A sanction is a severe course of action which is intended to make people obey instructions, customs, or laws.

sanction的意思

    e.g. As an ultimate sanction, they can sell their shares.
           作为最高的处罚，他们可以出售他们的股份。

4. 对…实施制裁;处罚
    If a country or an authority sanctions another country or a person for doing something, it declares that the country or person is guilty of doing it and imposes sanctions on them.

    e.g. ...their failure to sanction Japan for butchering whales in violation of international conservation treaties.
           对日本违反国际保护条约残杀鲸鱼的行为他们未能进行制裁