Crossword Genius

Authorise punishment (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sanction

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'authorise' is the first definition.
(I know that sanction is a more specific form of the action authorise)

'punishment' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

(Other definitions for sanction that I've seen before include "Give approval to, authorise" , "Official permission or authority" , "OK" , "coercive measure" , "measure taken against offending country?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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