Both Uses

sanction
in
The Namesake
(Edited)

In spite of his parents' sanction he feels that he is overstepping them, correcting a mistake they've made.
Chpt 5 *

sanction = penalties
The group was planning a march on Washington, calling for sanctions.
Chpt 10

Definitions:

(1) (sanction as in: cannot sanction such behavior)
formal approval

Ironically, this word has contradictory meanings that are frequently used. When selecting words for an audience who may not be sure of this word's contextual meaning, consider substituting a word like endorse for this sense of sanction.
(2) (sanction as in: sanctions against them)
formal penalty

This word has contradictory meanings that are frequently used. When selecting words for an audience who may not be sure of this word's contextual meaning, consider substituting words like penalize for this sense of sanction.
(3) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)