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

No offense of mine will dare locate Terry McLaurin down the field, nor betray the sanctity of caps by turning them backward! —Candace Buckner, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

But critics say Israel has flouted that promise with indiscriminate attacks in Gaza that display disregard, not only for civilian lives, but for the sanctity of sites that have defined civilization there for centuries. —Bora Erden, New York Times, 28 May 2024

Biden should convey to Netanyahu that the amount of funds in the future could be influenced by Israel demonstrating more respect for the sanctity of life in Gaza. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 May 2024

But beyond policy and protection lies a more profound, more insidious challenge: the erosion of sanctity and inclusivity in our communal havens. —A.r. Bernard Sr., Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 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