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Accept vs Sanction - What's the difference?

accept | sanction |

In lang=en terms the difference between accept and sanction

is that accept is to receive something willingly while sanction is to penalize (a state etc) with sanctions.

As verbs the difference between accept and sanction

is that accept is to receive, especially with a consent, with favour, or with approval while sanction is to ratify; to make valid.

As an adjective accept

is (obsolete) accepted.

As a noun sanction is

an approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.

accept

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To receive, especially with a consent, with favour, or with approval.
  • * (rfdate)
  • She accepted of a treat.
  • * (rfdate), Psalms 20:3
  • The Lord accept thy burnt sacrifice.
  • To admit to a place or a group.
  • The Boy Scouts were going to accept him as a member.
  • To regard as proper, usual, true, or to believe in.
  • I accept the fact that Christ lived.
  • To receive as adequate or satisfactory.
  • To receive or admit to; to agree to; to assent to; to submit to.
  • I accept your proposal, amendment, or excuse.
  • To endure patiently.
  • I accept my punishment.
  • (transitive, legal, business) To agree to pay.
  • To receive officially
  • to accept the report of a committee
  • To receive something willingly.
  • I accept .

    Synonyms

    * receive * take * withtake * admit

    Antonyms

    * reject * decline

    Derived terms

    * accepted * acceptedly * accepter * acceptive * accept a bill * accept person * accept service

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Accepted.
  • * 1599 , (William Shakespeare), , V-ii
  • Pass our accept and peremptory answer.
    ----

    sanction

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
  • A penalty, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
  • A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying the above.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To ratify; to make valid.
  • To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
  • * 1946 , (Bertrand Russell), History of Western Philosophy , I.21:
  • Many of the most earnest Protestants were business men, to whom lending money at interest was essential. Consequently first Calvin, and then other Protestant divines, sanctioned interest.
  • To penalize (a State etc.) with sanctions.