Spell Bee Word: sanction

Basic Details

Word: Sanction

Part of Speech: Noun / Verb

Meaning: A penalty or punishment for not following a rule; also means to approve or allow something.

Synonyms: Penalty, punishment, approval

Antonyms: Reward, permission

Idioms and Phrases

1. To sanction something: To officially approve or allow it. Example: "The principal decided to sanction the new school club after reviewing their plan."
2. Lay down the law: To impose strict rules or sanctions. Example: "After the argument, the teacher had to lay down the law about classroom behaviour."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The government imposed a sanction on the country for violating trade agreements.

Example 2: Her parents gave their sanction for her to go on the school trip.

Example 3: The football match was under threat of sanction due to the team's unfair play.

Fun Fact

The word "sanction" comes from the Latin word "sanctio," which means "a decree" or "to make sacred." Interestingly, it has dual meanings: one is to impose a penalty, and the other is to give approval!

Famous Quote

"The law is not a mere sanction, a letter of the law, but also a vision of humanity." Robert J. Shiller

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "sanction" mean in terms of punishment?

a) A type of food
b) A penalty for not following rules
c) A method of cooking
d) A holiday

Answer: b) A penalty for not following rules

2. Which of these is a synonym for "sanction"?

a) Reward
b) Penalty
c) Permission
d) Doubt

Answer: b) Penalty

3. What is the opposite of "sanction" when it refers to approval?

a) Disapproval
b) Agreement
c) Support
d) Praise

Answer: a) Disapproval

4. Which sentence correctly uses "sanction"?

a) She gave her sanction for the party to go ahead.
b) The sanction was covered in chocolate.
c) The sanction flew through the air.
d) The boy played with the sanction.

Answer: a) She gave her sanction for the party to go ahead.

5. Which idiom relates to imposing strict rules or sanctions?

a) Come to the point
b) Lay down the law
c) Take it or leave it
d) Jump to conclusions

Answer: b) Lay down the law