Word
sanctify
Phoneticssanc·ti·fy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsæŋktəfaɪ/
UK/sˈɑːnktɪfˌaɪ/
Definition
v. to make something holy or to give it official approval. You use this when a person or a ceremony makes something special and respected in a religious or legal way.
v. to set apart as or declare holy; to consecrate. Often describes the act of giving social or religious sanction to a practice or relationship to make it seem legitimate.
Examples
“The priest will sanctify the new chapel during the morning service.”
“The couple chose to have a religious ceremony to sanctify their marriage in the eyes of their community.”
“The ancient ritual was designed to sanctify the ground before the temple construction began, ensuring the site was spiritually prepared for its sacred purpose.”
Examples
simple
“The priest will sanctify the new chapel during the morning service.”
contextual
“The couple chose to have a religious ceremony to sanctify their marriage in the eyes of their community.”
complex
“The ancient ritual was designed to sanctify the ground before the temple construction began, ensuring the site was spiritually prepared for its sacred purpose.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it.” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman seintefier, a form that arrived via Old French saintefier from Late Latin sānctificō, itself compounded from Latin sānctus ("holy") and faciō ("do, make"). The spelling was later adjusted to bring it into line with classical Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Sanctify Yourself · 1986 · New wave
- Artist:
- Simple Minds
- Album:
- Once Upon a Time
Simple Minds released this energetic new wave track in 1986 as part of their album Once Upon a Time. The title uses the headword figuratively, encouraging the listener to find a sense of purity or personal renewal. It suggests that individuals have the power to make their own lives feel special and respected.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sanctify