制裁 zhìcái to punish
to punish; punishment; sanctions (incl. economic)
How to remember 制裁: 制 system + 裁 to trim = to punish.
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How it is used
- Punitive action against a violator, by an authority - 经济制裁 (jīngjì zhìcái) economic sanctions; 对违规者进行制裁 sanction the violators.
- Strongly institutional: states, international bodies, the law - not personal punishment (that's 惩罚 chéngfá).
- Common frames: 实施制裁 (impose sanctions), 受到制裁 (be sanctioned).