How does a word end up with two opposite meanings at the same time?

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I'm thinking of the word Sanction. In the first example below it has the meaning of "to okay" or "to give the green light to", and is used as a verb.
In the second example it is a noun which has the meaning of "preventative measures" which although not a direct opposite meaning, comes close.
US sanctions the use of force against drug smugglers
US sanctions against drug smugglers appear to be working.
single-word-requests meaning word-usage
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I'm thinking of the word Sanction. In the first example below it has the meaning of "to okay" or "to give the green light to", and is used as a verb.
In the second example it is a noun which has the meaning of "preventative measures" which although not a direct opposite meaning, comes close.
US sanctions the use of force against drug smugglers
US sanctions against drug smugglers appear to be working.
single-word-requests meaning word-usage
New contributor
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I'm thinking of the word Sanction. In the first example below it has the meaning of "to okay" or "to give the green light to", and is used as a verb.
In the second example it is a noun which has the meaning of "preventative measures" which although not a direct opposite meaning, comes close.
US sanctions the use of force against drug smugglers
US sanctions against drug smugglers appear to be working.
single-word-requests meaning word-usage
New contributor
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'm thinking of the word Sanction. In the first example below it has the meaning of "to okay" or "to give the green light to", and is used as a verb.
In the second example it is a noun which has the meaning of "preventative measures" which although not a direct opposite meaning, comes close.
US sanctions the use of force against drug smugglers
US sanctions against drug smugglers appear to be working.
single-word-requests meaning word-usage
single-word-requests meaning word-usage
New contributor
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 mins ago


Cass LopezCass Lopez
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Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cass Lopez is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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