sanctionable
|sanc-tion-a-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈsæŋkʃənəbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈsæŋ(k)ʃənəb(ə)l/
capable of being sanctioned
Etymology
'sanctionable' originates from Latin via Old French, specifically from the noun 'sanction' plus the adjectival suffix '-able'; 'sanction' comes from Latin 'sanctio', where the root 'sancire' meant 'to make sacred/confirm'.
'sanctionable' developed from the noun 'sanction' (Middle English from Old French 'sanction', from Latin 'sanctio') with the addition of the English suffix '-able' to form an adjective meaning 'capable of being sanctioned'.
Initially related to making something sacred or a formal decree ('sanctio' as a legal/ceremonial act), over time the sense shifted to 'a penalty' or 'formal approval', giving rise to the modern senses of 'liable to punishment' and 'capable of being approved'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
subject to a sanction or punishment; liable to be penalized.
The committee found the company's actions sanctionable under the new regulations.
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Adjective 2
capable of being formally approved or authorized (that can be sanctioned/ratified).
The proposed change is sanctionable by the board, pending a vote next week.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 22:49