inviolable

[ in-vahy-uh-luh-buhl ]

adjective

1. prohibiting violation; secure from destruction, violence, infringement, or desecration:

   an inviolable sanctuary;

   an inviolable promise.

2. incapable of being violated; impregnable; unassailable:

   inviolable secrecy.

inviolable

/ ɪnˈvaɪələbəl /

adjective

1. that must not or cannot be transgressed, dishonoured, or broken; to be kept sacred

   an inviolable oath

Derived Forms

• inˌviolaˈbility, noun
• inˈviolably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·vi·o·la·bil·i·ty [in-vahy-, uh, -l, uh, -, bil, -i-tee] Rare, in·vi·o·la·ble·ness noun
• in·vi·o·la·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inviolable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin inviolābilis; in- ³, violable

Example Sentences

The Ministry of Justice insisted that the right to life, enshrined in the constitution of 2011, was inviolable.

From BBC

My fall-asleep routine always, inviolably, involves reading either a physical or Kindle book.

From New York Times

This attack on the consulate breached the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which deems diplomatic missions “inviolable.”

From Seattle Times

Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and “inviolable” under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without permission from the ambassador.

From Seattle Times

Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and “inviolable” under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sacrosanct