To impede, retard, or interfere with; hinder.
To get in the way of so as to hide from sight.
To block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See synonyms at block.
To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.
To ratify; to make valid.
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
A penalty, punishment, 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 any of the above.