Sanction
Part of speech: noun
Definition: 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.
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To give authorization or approval to something; to ratify. To penalize a state, especially for violating international law.
Example sentence: As the most extravagant errors were received among the established articles of their faith, so the most infamous vices obtained in their practice, and were indulged not only with impunity, but authorized by the sanction of their laws.
Authority
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The power to enforce rules or give orders.Persons in command; specifically, government.A person accepted as a source of reliable information on a subject.
Example sentence: To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture.