sanctity
Americannoun
-
sanctities
plural
-
holiness, saintliness, or godliness.
-
sacred or hallowed character.
the inviolable sanctity of the temple.
-
a sacred thing.
noun
-
the condition of being sanctified; holiness
-
anything regarded as sanctified or holy
-
the condition of being inviolable; sacredness
the sanctity of marriage
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of sanctity
1350–1400; < Latin sānctitās holiness, equivalent to sānct- ( see Sanctus) + -itās -ity; replacing Middle English sauntite < Anglo-French < Latin, as above
Explanation
Sanctity describes something that is holy, like the sanctity of religious objects to believers. Sanctity goes back to the Latin root sanctus, meaning "holy" or "sacred." A synonym for sanctity is godliness and most religions describe God as completely holy. Sanctity also can describe sacred obligation or rights — you may have heard of the sanctity of marriage, meaning the value and respect society shows to married people.
Vocabulary lists containing sanctity
"Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Pop Culture: April 6–12, 2019
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Handmaid's Tale
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
“At the core of most religious traditions is a recognition of the sanctity of life and humanity over injury and profit,” Rabbi Jennie Rosenn of the Jewish climate advocacy group Dayenu said in a statement.
From Salon ● Aug. 3, 2026
This moment of collective attention—a contrast to the brusque efficiency Ms. Holliday experienced the night of her sister’s death—imbues the experience of loss with one of sanctity that says “this moment matters.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
"Our core belief regarding the sanctity of blood remains unchanged. Jehovah's Witnesses make informed, conscientious choices that reflect both Scriptural principles and developments in modern medical practice."
From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026
Investors would focus intently on terms related to contract sanctity and stability, as well as access to international arbitration.
From Barron's ● Dec. 19, 2025
It must be, if only to preserve the sanctity of your mind.
From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“No one would dare to insult Islamic sanctities from now on,” he said.
From New York Times ● Feb. 16, 2022
"We believe that sanctities need to be respected," Zarif said.
From Reuters ● Jan. 14, 2015
“We believe that sanctities need to be respected,” Zarif said.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 14, 2015
"We believe that sanctities need to be respected," he said before nuclear talks in Geneva with U.S.
From Reuters ● Jan. 14, 2015
However, I shall try to convert myself at least into an army of Goths and Huns, to overcome and destroy our existing sanctities, that the supernal splendours may at length become credible and even visible.
From Notes of a Son and Brother by Henry James
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.
