sanction

approve, confirm, sanction

这些动词均有“批准”之意。
approve: 普通用词，常指正式的或官方的批准。
confirm: 强调按法律程序提出确认或批准。
sanction: 语气最强，多指官方的同意或批准，是书面用词。

名词 sanction:

1. formal and explicit approval
   同义词：countenance, endorsement, indorsement, warrant, imprimatur
2. a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
3. official permission or approval
   同义词：authority, authorization, authorisation
4. the act of final authorization

动词 sanction:

1. give sanction to
   同义词：approve, O.K., okay
2. give authority or permission to
3. give religious sanction to, such as through on oath

1. The book was translated without the sanction of the author.
   这本书未经作者许可就给翻译了。
2. The church would not sanction the king's second marriage.
   教会不会批准国王第二次结婚。
3. Western nations imposed tough sanctions on the country.
   西方各国对这个国家实行了严厉制裁。
4. The minister can only act in this matter with the sanction of Parliament.
   部长只有得到国会批准才能就此事采取行动。