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

Conservatives are those who are also sensitive to the values of loyalty, authority, and sanctity. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 15 Dec. 2024

His death, at the hands of those consumed by hatred, is a devastating loss not just for his family or the Chabad community, but for all who cherish faith, unity, and the sanctity of life. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

The executive is referring to the younger audiences who have become more emboldened to share this lengthy material from the sanctity of the cineplex, where phones are supposed to be banned. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Nov. 2024

One viewpoint is that this is an atrocious violation of human sanctity. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 20 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