inviolable
Americanadjective
-
prohibiting violation; secure from destruction, violence, infringement, or desecration.
an inviolable sanctuary;
an inviolable promise.
-
incapable of being violated; impregnable; unassailable.
inviolable secrecy.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- inviolability noun
- inviolably adverb
Etymology
Origin of inviolable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin inviolābilis; in- 3, violable
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, consular premises are considered "inviolable".
From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026
The “international community” treats that project as inviolable, inevitable, untouchable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026
Charter of 1945, guaranteeing all nations the right to independence and inviolable sovereignty.
From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025
With that selflessness at the core of public service, he wrote: “I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal.”
From Slate • Jul. 22, 2024
“The creator has given us certain inviolable rights: the right to life, the right to be free, and the right to achieve happiness.”
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
