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

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

The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025

And the military traditions that were established during those first desperate years have helped define — and protect — the sanctity and independence of the republic. —Chris Dovi, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Aside from these Nazi-ish tendencies, Frankenstein is erotically obsessed with the borders of life and death, with wounds and organs being specific sites of fascination; meanwhile, Katrin’s attraction to a lowly, virile farmhand (Joe Dallesandro) jeopardises the sanctity of the experiments. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 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