sanctify

American  

[sangk-tuh-fahy] / ˈsæŋk təˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

sanctified, sanctifying

1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

   Synonyms:

   exalt, enshrine, anoint, hallow, bless

2. to purify or free from sin.

   Sanctify your hearts.

3. to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding.

   to sanctify a vow.

4. to entitle to reverence or respect.

5. to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.

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sanctify British  

/ ˈsæŋktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make holy

2. to free from sin; purify

3. to sanction (an action or practice) as religiously binding

   to sanctify a marriage

4. to declare or render (something) productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace

5. obsolete to authorize to be revered

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Other Word Forms

• nonsanctification noun
• presanctify verb (used with object)
• sanctifiable adjective
• sanctifiableness noun
• sanctifiably adverb
• sanctification noun
• sanctifier noun
• sanctifyingly adverb
• self-sanctification noun
• unsanctifying adjective

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!

Example Sentences

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

Accentuating the glass wrinkles with gilding serves to sanctify the century-old depot structure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Her connection to her mother remains frayed while she continues to sanctify Minh.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2023

“I sanctify this pyre,” he proclaimed, darting grumpy looks at the giantess Hyrrokkin, who still did not, Thor felt, appear to be properly respectful.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• consecrate
• hallow