sanctify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.
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to purify or free from sin.
Sanctify your hearts.
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to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding.
to sanctify a vow.
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to entitle to reverence or respect.
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to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.
verb
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to make holy
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to free from sin; purify
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to sanction (an action or practice) as religiously binding
to sanctify a marriage
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to declare or render (something) productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace
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obsolete to authorize to be revered
Other Word Forms
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!
Vocabulary lists containing sanctify
Power Suffix: -fy
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
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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
“Oh,” he said, “I pray God, I pray the Lord...to make me strong...to sanctify me wholly...and keep me saved!”
From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
