sanction

1. General: Formal approval or authorization.

2. International relations: Punitive or restrictive measures taken, usually by several countries in concert, to pressure a country to change its certain policies. (1) Economic sanctions ban trading with the offending country, and (2) Diplomatic sanctions result in withdrawal of relations and representations.

3. Law: Penalty or punitive action imposed for failure to comply with a court order, law, or regulation.