sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness of life and character : godliness

2

a

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred : inviolability

b

sanctities plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

Synonyms

• blessedness
• devoutness
• godliness
• holiness
• piety
• piousness
• sainthood
• saintliness
• saintship

Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

the sanctity of the elderly nun shone through in her every word and gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though the theatricality of Bakker’s sermons evokes a cheery, prosperous togetherness, the fact that God’s teachings can be channeled and compressed into such a camera-friendly, direct-to-consumer form raises immediate eyebrows about the sanctity of his message. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024

As the high-profile 2024 campaign cycle approaches its end, voters may have concerns about the sanctity and fairness of our elections. —Deidre Henderson, National Review, 3 Oct. 2024

From that period on, the sanctity of the stoop has only grown, bolstered in large part by popular culture. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024

His disdain for the sanctity of our Constitution, the sanctity of democracy, the sanctity of the rule of law and the sanctity of the peaceful transfer of power should disqualify him from the office of president ever again. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English saunctite, from Anglo-French sainteté, from Latin sanctitat-, sanctitas, from sanctus sacred

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness sense 1, saintliness

2

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred