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

The sanctity of life does not depend on poll results. —Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025

Its abstracted scenario is a kind of back to the basics, expressing the sanctity of home, devotion and nature. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025

By destroying the sanctity and inviolability of the king, the guillotine had become sacred in its own right, Arrasse explained. —Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025

The architects believed this necessary to protect the sanctity of the regular season. —Andy McCullough, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

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