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

When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

When jurors came forward with concerns, Farber was strict about respecting the sanctity of deliberations and cautioned them not to discuss the content or tenor of jury room discussions, transcripts show. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025

Historically, the church viewed tattoos as taboo – a violation of the sanctity of the body. —Brittany Romanello, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025

Countless horror films scare audiences with the simplicity of a foreign entity trying to defile the sanctity of the home. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 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