Definitions of sanction:

• noun:   a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
• noun:   the act of final authorization

  Example: "It had the sanction of the church"

• noun:   formal and explicit approval
• noun:   official permission or approval
• verb:   give authority or permission to
• verb:   give religious sanction to, such as through on oath
• verb:   give sanction to