noun
sanctity
SANGK-tuh-tee/ˈsæŋktəti/
The quality of being holy or deserving the highest respect and protection.
The worshipper's reverent posture reflects the sanctity of the candlelit altar.
Etymology
Sanctity names the quality of being holy. Applied to things such as life, marriage, or the home, that sacred character came to imply inviolability: something that must not be violated.
In context
rooted in ethical and religious beliefs that emphasize the sanctity of life from its earliest stages.
More examples
- Her argument rests on the sanctity of human life.
- Their vows reflect their belief in the sanctity of marriage.
- The community works to preserve the sanctity of its burial grounds.
Forms
sanctify verb — To make or declare something holy.
Similar words
- holiness
- Emphasizes religious purity rather than protection from violation.
- sacredness
- Stresses religious significance or deep reverence more than inviolability.
- inviolability
- Emphasizes protection from violation without necessarily implying religious holiness.