inviolable

American  

[in-vahy-uh-luh-buhl] / ɪnˈvaɪ ə lə bəl /

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.

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inviolable British  

/ ɪnˈvaɪələbəl /

adjective

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

   an inviolable oath

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Other Word Forms

• inviolability noun
• inviolably adverb

Etymology

Origin of inviolable

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

Example Sentences

The “international community” treats that project as inviolable, inevitable, untouchable.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They are turning on him, and it’s a sign of the inviolable trust being gone,” Madrid said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the face of ideological challenges and pragmatic objections, both men insisted that the dignity of each individual person was sacred and inviolable, and that individual rights must prevail against states and ideologies.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From Salon

Related Words

• sacrosanct