sanctum

[ sangk-tuhm ]

noun

, plural sanc·tums, sanc·ta [sangk, -t, uh].

1. a sacred or holy place.
2. an inviolably private place or retreat.

sanctum

/ ˈsæŋktəm /

noun

1. a sacred or holy place
2. a room or place of total privacy or inviolability

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum¹

1570–80; noun use of neuter of Latin sānctus; Sanctus

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum¹

C16: from Latin, from sanctus holy

Example Sentences

Yet as recent work suggests, invaders have found all sorts of ways into the inner sanctum.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, Eric, supposedly a financial master of the universe, is cut off from reality in his inner sanctum on wheels.

From The Daily Beast

But if Hoover could bug the innermost sanctum of the Supreme Court, nothing was sacred for the FBI.

From The Daily Beast

There is, to Obama, a milquetoastian core, one that needs perpetual strengthening by an inner-sanctum bruiser.

From The Daily Beast

Inside this inner sanctum was yet another black door, another secret chamber: the VIP of VIPs.

From The Daily Beast

Her chamber was her retreat and sanctum, and she had lavished much taste and time in fitting it up.

From Project Gutenberg

At the appointed time she passed through the iron doors of the Sanctum Regnum.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have yet other motives in presenting myself to-day, in this, your sanctum," stated Mr. Van Nicht.

From Project Gutenberg

He made his way back to the doctor's sanctum, and found that gentleman awaiting him impatiently.

From Project Gutenberg

To enter the little Cafe in the cul-de-sac Le Febvre was, at the period of our tale, to enter the sanctum of a man of genius.

From Project Gutenberg