sanctify

[sangk-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

sanctified, sanctifying 

1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

   Synonyms: exalt, enshrine, anoint, hallow, bless

2. to purify or free from sin.

   Sanctify your hearts.

3. to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding.

   to sanctify a vow.

4. to entitle to reverence or respect.

5. to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.

sanctify

/ ˈsæŋktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make holy

2. to free from sin; purify

3. to sanction (an action or practice) as religiously binding

   to sanctify a marriage

4. to declare or render (something) productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace

5. obsolete,  to authorize to be revered

Other Word Forms

• sanctifiable adjective
• sanctifiableness noun
• sanctifiably adverb
• sanctification noun
• sanctifier noun
• sanctifyingly adverb
• nonsanctification noun
• presanctify verb (used with object)
• self-sanctification noun
• unsanctifying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctify¹

1350–1400; < Late Latin sānctificāre ( Sanctus, -ify ); replacing Middle English seintefien < Old French saintifier < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctify¹

C14: from Late Latin sanctificāre, from Latin sanctus holy + facere to make

Example Sentences

It also allows political movements to consolidate power by sanctifying their leaders and discouraging dissent.

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Here, the real Presley is charismatic as hell, and looks great beaded in sanctified sweat.

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These shrines laden with incense, flowers and other offerings sanctify its gardens, waters and the surrounding landscape, and they highlight the psychic malaise dominating most of its visitors.

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Not Section 60, where the atmosphere is sanctified but not somber—too many kids, Meredith recalled from her visits to her son’s burial site.

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The judges on the Fifth Circuit could use a reminder: Federal-court opinions should be written for all American citizens, not just those who sanctify a particular text.

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Related Words

• consecrate 
• hallow