Here’s another installment of Word Knots, where we discuss common instances of words and phrases that are often confused or misused. In this installment we’ll look at a word that has two opposite meanings, depending on the context in which it’s used. We always try to point out examples of semantic confusion and this one is clearly a unique case. 

Our source for this installment is The Dictionary of Disagreeable English by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Chicago: Writer’s Digest Books). This is a great book to browse: I highly recommend it.

From Fiske:

sanction

Confused with sanction.

As Fiske says (excerpted):

Sanction has nearly opposite meanings: either to authorize or approve or to penalize or punish.

■

This one can get very confusing: Let’s look at the most relevant Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary definitions (excerpted):

sanction

noun

3  : the detriment, loss of reward, or other coercive intervention that is annexed to a violation of a law

4  : solemn or ceremonious ratification or acceptance

7  : something that authorizes, confirms, or countenances

10  : a restrictive measure used to punish a specific action or to prevent some future activity

■

I must say that M-W’s definitions are a bit confusing with regard to how they’re ordered: definitions 4 and 7 mean to “authorize or approve,” while 3 and 10 mean to “penalize or punish.”

And this is clearly a case where AI is not going to be of much help, since it cannot understand context.

Let’s look at examples of each.

As in 4 and 7:

After considerable debate, the board voted to sanction continuance of the procedures adopted by the officers.

Although it was not a popular decision, the event organizers sanctioned the use of fences to control the crowds.

As in 3 and 10:

Due to their continuous refusal to follow the rules, the board sanctioned the offending officers.

In response to proven instances of wrongdoing, the firm was sanctioned by the court.

The differences are distinct, but one must be careful with this word to ensure that the correct meaning is clear.

Like this post? Follow Virtus Publishing on LinkedIn!