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

In this realization of sanctity and wisdom, de León establishes a link to the Song of Songs and suggests that even those who are empty are filled with the commandments, like the pomegranate. —Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, the voices of the guys who normally can’t shut up about the sanctity of free markets and limited government, have gone quiet. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025

Turning the contours of Maryland’s eight congressional districts over to the whims of state legislators in Alabama, Idaho or Utah is putting the sanctity of the votes cast by hard-working Marylanders at the mercy of politicians no registered voter in Maryland has ever heard of. —Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2025

Improbably, Netanyahu seems to have forgotten the most critical characteristic of the Jewish faith: the sanctity of life. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 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