Crossword Genius

Sanction something that looks like a double-entendre? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

punish

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sanction' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'something that looks like a double-entendre?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'like' could be 'ish' (similar in meaning) and 'ish' is found within the answer.
'entendre?' could be 'pun' (I have seen 'Double entendre ' mean 'pun' so perhaps 'entendre' could also mean 'pun') and 'pun' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for punish that I've seen before include "Discipline" , "Mete out penalty to" , "Impose penalty for crime or misbehaviour" , "Cause to suffer for an offence" , "exact retribution" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.