inviolable

[in-vahy-uh-luh-buhl]

adjective

1. prohibiting violation; secure from destruction, violence, infringement, or desecration.

   an inviolable sanctuary;

   an inviolable promise.

2. incapable of being violated; impregnable; unassailable.

   inviolable secrecy.

inviolable

/ ɪnˈvaɪələbəl /

adjective

1. that must not or cannot be transgressed, dishonoured, or broken; to be kept sacred

   an inviolable oath

Other Word Forms

• inviolability noun
• inviolably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inviolable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin inviolābilis; in- ³, violable

Example Sentences

Article 2 of the constitution states that Ukraine's sovereignty "extends throughout its entire territory" which "within its present border is indivisible and inviolable".

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Charter of 1945, guaranteeing all nations the right to independence and inviolable sovereignty.

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"Everyone must understand that the police officer is inviolable, the police officer represents the state and the strength of the state," Kobakhidze told a press briefing.

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The Ministry of Justice insisted that the right to life, enshrined in the constitution of 2011, was inviolable.

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My fall-asleep routine always, inviolably, involves reading either a physical or Kindle book.

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Related Words

• sacrosanct