Crossword Genius

Sanction’s justifiable in leader’s absence (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

enable

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'sanction's' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for enable that I've seen before include "Facilitate or make possible" , "Render capable" , "Provide with means or opportunity" , "Authorise" , "Capacitate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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