What does the term "sanction" refer to in legal or social contexts?

The term "sanction" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used, but in legal or social contexts, it primarily refers to a coercive measure designed to compel compliance. This use of "sanction" emphasizes its role as a tool for enforcement, where the aim is often to deter undesirable behavior by imposing penalties or restrictions on individuals or entities that do not adhere to specific laws, regulations, or standards.

In this sense, the concept captures the dual nature of sanctions: they can be punitive in nature, aiming to discipline or correct, while also providing a framework intended to encourage conformity to accepted practices. Thus, the correct answer is affirming the coercive aspect of sanctions, which is crucial in maintaining order and compliance within a society or legal system.