To give permission, power, or the legal right to do something.
To give someone more confidence and/or strength to do something, often by enabling them to increase their control over their own life or situation.
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.
To ratify; to make valid.
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.