Synonyms

sanctify

American

[sangk-tuh-fahy] / ˈsæŋk təˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

Synonyms:

exalt, enshrine, anoint, hallow, bless
to purify or free from sin.

Sanctify your hearts.
to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding.

to sanctify a vow.
to entitle to reverence or respect.
to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.

sanctify British

/ ˈsæŋktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

to make holy
to free from sin; purify
to sanction (an action or practice) as religiously binding

to sanctify a marriage
to declare or render (something) productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace
obsolete to authorize to be revered

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Present

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Etymology

Origin of sanctify

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

Explanation

To sanctify something is to make it pure or holy. You might see a priest sanctify a church in your neighborhood — that means it’s holy. Sanctify often has a religious connotation. If you get married, you might have a religious ceremony to sanctify your union. That means the marriage is viewed as legitimate according to your religion. Sanctify can also mean that something is made free from sin, like when the Pope sanctifies a person. Or you can use it for anything that’s made right or acceptable. Your mom’s support may sanctify the odd outfit you wore to the family reunion. Thanks, Mom!

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Vocabulary lists containing sanctify

Power Suffix: -fy

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sculptures lovingly sanctify a keystone’s rational but enigmatic contradiction of mechanics and function.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

It is that the law will sanctify it.

From Slate • Jul. 3, 2025

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.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2025

Enshrined, meaning to cherish, revere, exalt, consecrate and sanctify, is a word of dignity and respect now side-by-side with same-sex marriages and families, and interracial families.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2022

And legend and theology, which are designed to sanctify our fears, crimes, and aspirations, also reveal them for what they are.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023