WordGarden.iosanctity
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɑːnktɪti/
US
- /ˈsæŋktɪti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being holy or spiritually sacred
the quality of being treated as inviolable or deeply revered
Beyond the definition
Sanctity refers to the state of being holy, sacred, or worthy of deep respect. It is the special quality something has when people see it as set apart and not to be harmed or treated carelessly. Think about a church: many people respect its sanctity, even if they do not share the same beliefs. Or consider the sanctity of human life; we generally believe it should be treated with great care and respect. The word is not only about holiness, but also about protecting what is seen as sacred.
The word "sanctity" speaks to a deep sense of sacredness, holiness, or inviolability. It is more than simply being "good"; it suggests that something is set apart as especially holy and deserving of the highest respect, almost untouchable. The root comes from the Latin sanctus, meaning "holy" or "sacred."
You'll often encounter "sanctity" in religious contexts, referring to the holiness of a place (the sanctity of a temple), an object (the sanctity of relics), or a practice (the sanctity of marriage). But its reach extends beyond religion.
We talk about the sanctity of the home, meaning the feeling of safety, privacy, and respect it represents. We might speak of the sanctity of a promise, emphasizing how important it is to keep one's word. The phrase "violate the sanctity" means to disrespect or damage something considered sacred. For example, "Breaking into someone's home violates the sanctity of their personal space."
Sanctity is not just about what is holy; it also implies a responsibility to protect that holiness. It suggests a moral duty to treat certain things with reverence and avoid actions that could lessen or destroy their sacredness. It is a powerful word, evoking awe, respect, and the importance of preserving something truly special.
Examples
- 1
Human life
The judge spoke about the sanctity of human life.
- 2
Marriage
Many people still believe in the sanctity of marriage.
- 3
Cemetery disrespect
The vandalism was seen as a violation of the sanctity of the cemetery.
- Patternviolation of the sanctity of + place or thing
treating it with disrespect when it should be respected
- 4
Private home
She felt the reporters had invaded the sanctity of her home.
- Patterninvade the sanctity of + private place or moment
disturb something private that should be left alone
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Family traditions
The novel questions the sanctity of old family traditions.
See also
Similar
- sacredness
- holiness
- inviolability
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- profaneness
- irreverence
Used with (collocations)
- the sanctity of life
- the sanctity of marriage
- violate the sanctity of
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sanctitynoun