sanctify

[ sangk-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, sanc·ti·fied, sanc·ti·fy·ing.

1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

   Synonyms: exalt, enshrine, anoint, hallow, bless

2. to purify or free from sin:

   Sanctify your hearts.

3. to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding:

   to sanctify a vow.

4. to entitle to reverence or respect.
5. to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.

sanctify

/ ˈsæŋktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make holy
2. to free from sin; purify
3. to sanction (an action or practice) as religiously binding

   to sanctify a marriage

4. to declare or render (something) productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace
5. obsolete.
   to authorize to be revered

Derived Forms

• ˈsanctiˌfiable, adjective
• ˈsanctiˌfier, noun
• ˌsanctifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• sancti·fia·ble adjective
• sancti·fia·ble·ness noun
• sancti·fia·bly adverb
• sancti·fication noun
• sancti·fier noun
• sancti·fying·ly adverb
• nonsanc·ti·fi·cation noun
• pre·sancti·fy verb (used with object) presanctified presanctifying
• self-sancti·fi·cation noun
• un·sancti·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctify¹

1350–1400; < Late Latin sānctificāre ( Sanctus, -ify ); replacing Middle English seintefien < Old French saintifier < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctify¹

C14: from Late Latin sanctificāre, from Latin sanctus holy + facere to make

Example Sentences

Not Section 60, where the atmosphere is sanctified but not somber—too many kids, Meredith recalled from her visits to her son’s burial site.

From Salon

The judges on the Fifth Circuit could use a reminder: Federal-court opinions should be written for all American citizens, not just those who sanctify a particular text.

From Salon

By adding “shining,” Reagan sanctified American exceptionalism and the United States’ role as a global model of freedom.

From Salon

Accentuating the glass wrinkles with gilding serves to sanctify the century-old depot structure.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, it’s time for this series to focus on John Coltrane — perhaps the most sanctified musician in the whole Black American tradition, who other artists sometimes refer to simply as “St. John.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• consecrate
• hallow