untouchable

[uhn-tuhch-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. that may not be touched; of a nature such that it cannot be touched; not palpable; intangible.

2. too distant to be touched.

3. vile or loathsome to the touch.

4. beyond criticism, control, or suspicion.

   Modern writers consider no subject untouchable.

noun

1. Hinduism.,  the former name given to a member of the lowest castes in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu.

2. a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.

3. a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast.

   political untouchables.

4. a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism.

   such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget.

untouchable

/ ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl /

adjective

1. lying beyond reach

2. above reproach, suspicion, or impeachment

3. unable to be touched

noun

1. taboo,  a former name for Dalit

Usage

In relation to the caste system, the term untouchable is banned in both the Indian and Pakistani constitutions

Other Word Forms

• untouchably adverb
• untouchability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of untouchable¹

First recorded in 1560–70; un- ¹ + touchable

Example Sentences

And then there was the forehand—14 untouchable winners that Sinner could only watch.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But the fate of the Dubai four will be watched with interest by Gulf-based organised criminals who, until last week, believed they were untouchable.

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“Are you thinking to yourself, ‘Holy s**t, I’m untouchable’?”

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"Crawford is untouchable and I see him winning by skill, movement and holding his weight well."

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It has been a tumultuous season, but Sinner has still managed to reach all four Grand Slam finals and play at a level untouchable by nearly everyone else.

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Related Words

• imperceptible 
• invulnerable 
• sacrosanct