核心问题
sanction 与 sanctions 是否同义？
词典解答
这两个词的意义是很不同的。sanction作“批准”“许可”“同意”“约束”解：
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The authorities have at last given their sanction to the proposals. (Wood) 当局终于批准了这些建议。
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The army acts only with the sanction of Parliament. (LDCE) 军队只有经过国会批准才能采取行动。
而 sanctions 则作“制裁”“处罚”解：
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The international community imposed sanctions on Rhodesia for its illegal political actions. (FWF) 国际社会对罗得西亚的非法政治活动给予制裁。
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establish sanctions against union members who don't go to meetings(LDCE) 对不参加会议的工会会员进行制裁