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

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

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike through a spokesperson, saying that UN premises must be "inviolable" and protected by "all parties" during conflicts.

From BBC

“We will never tolerate any moves of the hostile forces to violate the inviolable sphere under the exercise of sovereignty nor step back from having access to the space reconnaissance capability which should be done surely no matter what others may say,” North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said in a statement published on state media.

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

Related Words

• sacrosanct