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

Trump to sign executive order banning men from women's sports in schools Independent Women's Forum ambassador Paula Scanlan joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the importance of the executive order and what needs to be done moving forward to ensure the sanctity of girls' sports. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025

The sanctity of the workplace comedy is really important to me too, so making sure both of those things can really live together is my primary concern. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024

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

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