How to Say "to sanction" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to sanction” is “sancionar” — C1 level.
English → SpanishC1
verbC1formal
giving official permission or authority
Examples
El jefe de estado sancionó la nueva ley de educación.
The head of state ratified the new education law.
El congreso espera que el presidente sancione el proyecto.
Congress expects the president to sign the bill into law.
Formal objects
This meaning usually involves a law, a decree, or a budget as the thing being 'sancionado'.
Confusing the two meanings
Mistake: “Thinking the president 'punished' a law when the news says 'sancionó la ley'.”
Correction: Remember that in high-level government news, 'sancionar' usually means official approval, not punishment.
Related Translations
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