Sanktion
In short
A sanction is a penalty or restriction imposed by one country or an international group against another to force a change in behaviour. These measures often target trade, money, or specific individuals.
In plain words
It is a way of punishing a country without using military force. Governments use them to stop bad actions, like starting a war or breaking human rights laws. They make it difficult for the target to buy goods or use money.
A simple example
A country might ban the sale of high-tech computer chips to another nation. This prevents the target country from building advanced weapons.
Why it matters
Sanctions are a powerful tool in global politics to pressure leaders to follow international rules. They can weaken an economy to stop conflict without the cost of a physical war.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse sanctions with a fine, which is a legal penalty paid for breaking a specific law.