The synonyms of the word "Sanction" means permit, approve or allow. While we actually use the word to convey restriction / penalty / ban etc. Any idea why ?
Source: North Korea said the new UN resolution imposing sanctions on the country was a "declaration of war" and warned it would strike back..(Funny, isnt it ?)
2006-10-17 01:59:26 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
That is a really interesting question! I never thought about it before like that, but they do appear to mean exactly the opposite thing in two different contexts. Wow.
I guess it just really gets at the idea in both cases that there is a party that is in a position of authority either allowing or disallowing something to happen.
Yes, it is funny.
2006-10-17 04:12:27 · answer #1 · answered by retorik75 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia® Penal Sanctions (Indigenous Workers) Convention, 1939 (shelved) is an International Labour Organization Convention. It was established in 1939, with the preamble stating: Having decided upon the adoption of certain proposals with regard to the progressive abolition of penal sanctions for breaches of contracts of employment by indigenous workers,...[1]
2016-03-28 12:51:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right, technically what is meant is "sanctions against", although even with this expression, one could argue that's like saying "square circle", i.e. a proposition is either a sanction or it's against. Two alternatives which come to mind are "prohibitions" and "proscriptions" or even "barriers".
2006-10-17 04:50:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋