The word 'improperly-sanctioned' is a compound formed from 'improperly' (from 'improper' + '-ly') and 'sanctioned' (past participle of 'sanction'). 'Sanction' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sanctio,' where 'sanct-' meant 'to make holy' or 'to decree.'

'Sanction' changed from the Latin word 'sanctio' to Old French 'sanction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sanction.' The prefix 'im-' (not) and the adverbial '-ly' were added to 'proper,' and then combined with 'sanctioned' to form the modern compound adjective 'improperly-sanctioned.'

Initially, 'sanction' meant 'a decree or law,' but over time it evolved to mean both 'to approve' and 'to penalize.' 'Improperly-sanctioned' specifically refers to something approved in an incorrect or unauthorized way.