sacrosanct
/'sækrousæɳkt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- must be kept sacred