sacrosanct
SAK-roh-sankt
/ˈsæk.rəʊ.sæŋkt/
Regarded as far too important, sacred, or valuable to be interfered with, changed, or criticized.
Frequently used in modern secular contexts to describe beliefs, rights, or schedules that are considered inviolable.
The story behind the word. From Latin sacrosanctus, combining sacer ('holy') and sanctus (past participle of sancire, 'to enact or make binding'). In ancient Rome, tribunes of the plebs were legally declared sacrosanct—meaning anyone who physically harmed them was declared an outlaw and could be killed without trial.
Word relationships
- inviolable: Inviolable means secure from infringement by law or rule; sacrosanct adds a tone of sacred reverence.
- sacred: Sacred specifically means holy to God; sacrosanct is widely used figuratively for secular rules that cannot be touched.
- vulnerable: Open to attack, alteration, or interference.
- profane: Secular, common, or open to disrespect.
Commonly confused with
- sanctimonious: Sanctimonious means making a hypocritical show of moral superiority; sacrosanct means untouchable and sacred.
Word family
- sacrosanctity (noun): The quality of being sacrosanct or inviolable.
Collocations
- sacrosanct principle
- regard as sacrosanct
- sacrosanct right
- sacrosanct tradition
Example sentences
- "In democratic nations, freedom of speech is considered sacrosanct and protected by law." Political Science
- "The CEO made it clear that the Sunday family dinner was sacrosanct and he would take no work calls." Corporate Culture
Memory hook
SACRED + SANCTUARY = SACROSANCT. So sacred it is protected like a sanctuary. Untouchable and protected from violation.
When not to use
Do not use for mundane items that can easily be altered or replaced.
Fun facts
- Roman Tribunes were sacrosanct so they could defend common citizens without fear of patrician violence.
Related words
Also appears in
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