sanctify

verb

sanc·​ti·​fy ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī 

sanctified; sanctifying

transitive verb

1

: to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : consecrate

2

: to free from sin : purify

3

a

: to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to

b

: to give moral or social sanction to

4

: to make productive of holiness or piety

observe the day of the sabbath, to sanctify it

—Deuteronomy 5:12 (Douay Version)

Synonyms

• cleanse
• purge
• purify

Examples of sanctify in a Sentence

The priest sanctified their marriage.

The constitution sanctified the rights of the people.

Recent Examples on the Web

The priest at the church, which had been sanctified by the recent arrival of some saintly relics from Rome, tried talking to the demon living in the girl’s body. —Matthew Gabriele, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

If Saturday’s game likely won’t be as low-scoring affair as the one Rice sanctified 100 years ago, both offenses may be in for a long day; having given up just 10.3 points per game this season, Army boasts the game’s second-stingiest D, while the Irish are No. 3 (11.4). —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024

The same mirrors that were instruments for Jewish continuity in Egypt helped sanctify the basin used by the priests to prepare themselves for the Temple service. —Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2024

This also means the final act plays like a sanctifying highlights reel but the film’s gleeful humor and sharp wit largely keeps this chaotic rollercoaster on its tracks. —Leila Latif, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English seintefien, sanctifien, from Anglo-French seintefier, sanctifier, from Late Latin sanctificare, from Latin sanctus sacred — more at saint

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sanctify

verb

sanc·​ti·​fy ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī 

sanctified; sanctifying

1

: to set apart as sacred

2

: to make free from sin

sanctification

ˌsaŋ(k)-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun