sanctity

noun

sanc·ti·ty | \ ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē

plural sanctities

Definition of sanctity

1 : holiness of life and character : godliness

2a : the quality or state of being holy or sacred : inviolability

b sanctities plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sanctity

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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

Our stories, our safety, our sanctity—all of these finally seemed to land at the center of public recognition and response. — Jennifer Weiss-wolf, Harper's BAZAAR, "Even If Kavanaugh Gets Confirmed, We Must Fight For the Violence Against Women Act," 4 Oct. 2018 American history can be seen as a continual struggle to keep this promise—to extend respect to all types of difference and to honor the sanctity of every individual. — WSJ, "The Paradox of American Anti-Semitism," 2 Nov. 2018 Psychiatrists often will put minimal details in the notes, particularly in regards to psychotherapy, to further protect the sanctity of the patient-provider relationship. — SELF, "9 Awkward Questions You Probably Want to Ask Your New Therapist," 31 Oct. 2018 Image Conservative religious leaders who have long preached about the sanctity of the family are now issuing sharp rebukes of the Trump administration for immigration policies that tear families apart or leave them in danger. — Laurie Goodstein, New York Times, "Conservative Religious Leaders Are Denouncing Trump Immigration Policies," 14 June 2018 These are the actions of someone who cares, what, about democracy and the sanctity of your vote? — Fox News, "Hannity: Anonymous op-ed writer needs to come forward," 6 Sep. 2018 According to the site, the community was founded in 1889 as a revival movement within Islam and emphasizes teachings of peace, love, justice and sanctity of life. — Washington Post, "Four men are shot in Northeast D.C.," 30 Apr. 2018 Ahead of the referendum, bishops have released pastoral letters, instructed their priests to preach on the sanctity of life and released a weekly handout in the churches on Catholic teaching. — Paul Hannon, WSJ, "Catholic Church Takes a Background Role Ahead of Ireland’s Abortion Vote," 23 May 2018 Mr Haidt divides political morality into pairs of opposing instincts: loyalty and betrayal, authority and subversion, liberty and oppression, sanctity and degradation, care and harm, fairness and cheating. — The Economist, "The L wordWho is a Democrat?," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sanctity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.