state-sanctioned
|state-sanc-tioned|
/ˈsteɪtˌsæŋkʃənd/
approved by the state
Etymology
'state-sanctioned' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'state' and 'sanction'. 'state' ultimately traces to Latin 'status', where 'status' meant 'position, condition', and 'sanction' traces to Latin 'sanctio' (from 'sancire'), where the root 'sanct-' meant 'to make sacred' or 'confirm'.
'sanction' moved from Latin 'sanctio' (a formal decree or making sacred) into Old French as 'sanction' and then into Middle/Modern English as 'sanction' with senses of both 'approval' and 'penalty'. 'state' came into English via Old French 'estat' from Latin 'status'. The compound form 'state-sanctioned' arose in Modern English by combining 'state' + past-participial form of 'sanction'.
Initially, 'sanction' referred to a sacred decree or formal enactment; over time it developed dual senses of 'official approval' and 'penalty'. In the compound 'state-sanctioned' the emphasis is on the 'official approval/authorization' sense: 'authorized by the state.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
authorized, approved, or carried out with the official approval or backing of the state or government.
The investigation revealed state-sanctioned surveillance of dissident groups.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/02 04:46