Explain the concept of auto-antonyms.

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Explain the concept of auto-antonyms.

Auto-antonyms, also known as contronyms or Janus words, are words that have multiple meanings, one of which is the opposite of the other. These words can be quite confusing as they possess contradictory definitions within themselves. Essentially, an auto-antonym is a word that can be its own antonym.

For example, the word "cleave" can mean both to adhere closely or to split apart. Similarly, "sanction" can mean both to approve or to impose a penalty. Another example is the word "dust," which can mean both to remove dust or to sprinkle dust on something.

Auto-antonyms can create ambiguity and confusion in communication, as the intended meaning of the word can be misinterpreted depending on the context. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context in which these words are used to determine their intended meaning.