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

• holiness
• spirituality

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

Throughout his life, Boelter’s Christian belief in the sanctity of life seemed unwavering. —Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025

Powell himself said it was not permitted under the law, and a choir of Wall Street analysts chirped about the sanctity of the Federal Reserve’s independence. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 17 July 2025

Such findings challenge conventional notions about the importance and sanctity of interpersonal interactions. —Yasmin Green, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025

Every inch of the property honors the sanctity of nature (a pillar of Balinese culture)–namely Ubud’s dizzyingly dense vegetation, teeming with Banyan trees, coconut palms, and giant tree ferns, to name just a fraction. —Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 2 July 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