sanctity

American  

[sangk-ti-tee] / ˈsæŋk tɪ ti /

noun

plural

sanctities

1. holiness, saintliness, or godliness.

2. sacred or hallowed character.

   the inviolable sanctity of the temple.

3. a sacred thing.

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sanctity British  

/ ˈsæŋktɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being sanctified; holiness

2. anything regarded as sanctified or holy

3. the condition of being inviolable; sacredness

   the sanctity of marriage

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sanctity Idioms  

1. see odor of sanctity.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsanctity noun
• unsanctity noun

Etymology

Origin of sanctity

1350–1400; < Latin sānctitās holiness, equivalent to sānct- ( Sanctus ) + -itās -ity; replacing Middle English sauntite < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

"Our core belief regarding the sanctity of blood remains unchanged," a spokesperson for the group said.

From BBC

Defending the sanctity of the system is different from projecting strength as a virtue.

From The Wall Street Journal

"In our eyes, the sanctity of life comes before the commitment to return the remains of a fighter for burial."

From BBC

She could always get her friends to spill about any topic she wanted, insisting that no confession ever left the sanctity of her room.

From Literature

They are trained to clearly identify themselves, de-escalate tensions, respect the sanctity of life and quickly render aid to anyone they wound.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• divinity
• faith
• inviolability
• purity
• righteousness
• solemnity
• spirituality