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 of sanctity

• 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

And managed to wrecking-ball the entire operation, plus piss off all their Paris clients (save for Antoine), and forever destroy the sanctity of Solitano. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

Despite being one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, Bergman sought to preserve the sanctity of her domestic life. —Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 15 Dec. 2025

At this stage, keeping Bonds out of the Hall isn’t about protecting the sanctity of the game. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025

Each is a whole-body statue (although many of the moai are buried up to their shoulders), but with an exaggerated head, reflecting Polynesian beliefs of the sanctity of the head and how such is the seat of an individual’s spiritual energy. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 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