Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; inviolable: "sacrosanct" describes something considered so sacred, holy, or fundamental that it must not be criticized, changed, or violated.
   • Must be kept sacred: This is the core meaning, indicating something is entitled to reverence and protection, often for religious or deeply traditional reasons.

Usage

• The adjective "sacrosanct" is used to describe abstract principles, rights, traditions, or physical places/objects that are deemed untouchable.
• It is a formal word, often used in serious discussions about law, ethics, religion, or tradition.
• It typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., a sacrosanct principle) or follows a linking verb like "is," "was," or "considered."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Freedom of speech is a sacrosanct right in a democratic society.
  • The ancient temple was considered sacrosanct, and no one was allowed to enter its inner chamber.
  • For many, the bond of doctor-patient confidentiality is sacrosanct.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold something sacrosanct": to regard something as absolutely inviolable.
  • The community holds its ancestral lands sacrosanct.
• "to be treated as sacrosanct": to be given absolute protection from interference.
  • The original manuscript is treated as sacrosanct and is kept in a climate-controlled vault.

Variants and Related Words

• Sacrosanctity (n): The quality or state of being sacrosanct.
  • They argued for the sacrosanctity of the constitution.
• Sanctity (n): The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. (A more general, closely related term).
  • The sanctity of human life.

Synonyms

• Inviolable: Secure from violation or profanation.
• Sacred: Connected with God or a god; considered worthy of spiritual respect.
• Hallowed: Made holy; honored as holy.
• Untouchable: Not able to be touched or affected.

Antonyms

• Profane: Not respectful of religious practice; secular.
• Violable: Capable of being violated or broken.
• Secular: Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.

Adjective

1. must be kept sacred