The difference between Countenance and Sanction
When used as nouns, countenance means appearance, especially the features and expression of the face, whereas sanction means an approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
When used as verbs, countenance means to tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something, whereas sanction means to ratify.
check bellow for the other definitions of Countenance and Sanction
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Countenance as a noun:
Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
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Countenance as a noun:
Favour; support; encouragement.
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Countenance as a noun (obsolete):
Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
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Countenance as a noun:
Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.
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Countenance as a verb (transitive):
To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
Examples:
"The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal."
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Sanction as a noun:
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
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Sanction as a noun:
A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
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Sanction as a noun:
A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying either of the above.
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Sanction as a verb (transitive):
To ratify; to make valid.
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Sanction as a verb (transitive):
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.
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Sanction as a verb (transitive):
To penalize (a State etc.) with sanctions.