# sanctity

/ˈsæŋktɪti/ (US) · /sˈɑːnktɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sanctity
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the quality of being very holy or important. You use this to describe something that is so special it must be protected and respected.

For teachers: the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance and inviolability. Often used in legal or ethical contexts to describe rights or life that must not be violated.

## Examples

- The law protects the sanctity of the home.
- Many people believe in the sanctity of human life and argue that it should be protected at all costs.
- The preservation of the sanctity of the attorney-client privilege is considered essential to the functioning of a fair and honest judicial system.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with 'of' to describe a specific concept, such as 'the sanctity of marriage' or 'the sanctity of life'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.