sacrosanct

[ sak-roh-sangkt ]

adjective

1. extremely sacred or inviolable:

   a sacrosanct chamber in the temple.

2. not to be entered or trespassed upon:

   She considered her home office sacrosanct.

3. above or beyond criticism, change, or interference:

   a manuscript deemed sacrosanct.

sacrosanct

/ ˈsækrəʊˌsæŋkt /

adjective

1. very sacred or holy; inviolable

Derived Forms

• ˌsacroˈsanctity, noun

Other Words From

• sacro·sancti·ty sacro·sanctness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sacrosanct¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, sacrosanct is from Latin sacrō sānctus “made holy by sacred rite.” See sacred, saint

Word History and Origins

Origin of sacrosanct¹

C17: from Latin sacrōsanctus made holy by sacred rite, from sacrō by sacred rite, from sacer holy + sanctus, from sancīre to hallow

Example Sentences

Grand jury testimony and evidence was secret and considered sacrosanct within the DOJ.

From Salon

The Fed and financial markets consider the central bank’s independence sacrosanct for sound economic policymaking.

From Los Angeles Times

The state's response in their 49-page affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court on Thursday has not come as a surprise in a country rooted in patriarchal traditions and where marriages are considered sacrosanct.

From BBC

It is a dream that has been sacrosanct in South Korea for seven decades: reunification with North Korea.

From Los Angeles Times

The promises within them, if not entirely sacrosanct, are at least meant to be possessed of a greater sanctity than other more disposable political pledges.

From BBC

Related Words

• revered
• venerated