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

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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".

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

Read more on Salon

"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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• sacrosanct