sanctions
word · lemma: sanction
Definition
Punishments or restrictions that one country or group puts on another, often to change its behavior, such as limiting trade or financial activity.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used in politics and economics, and typically refers to official measures against countries or organizations. Always used in plural form: 'sanctions'. Not to be confused with 'sanction' (singular), which can also mean approval (less common usage). Common collocations: 'impose sanctions', 'lift sanctions', 'economic sanctions', 'trade sanctions'.
Example Sentences
The United Nations placed sanctions on the country.
basic
The government decided to lift all sanctions.
basic
Trade sanctions often affect the economy of both countries.
basic
They introduced stricter sanctions after the conflict escalated.
natural
There has been a lot of debate about whether these sanctions are effective.
natural
Companies worry that new sanctions will make it harder to do business.
natural