What does sanctify mean?
Sanctify means to make something holy, sacred, or worthy of exceptional respect. Its literal religious use refers to rites or declarations that establish a place, object, relationship, or event as holy. In figurative use, the verb can describe an act that gives a person or institution a dignified or protected status, as in saying that a ceremony sanctifies a relationship. A further modern sense is to legitimize or authoritatively approve an agreement, policy, or practice. The word often suggests more than ordinary approval: it conveys consecration, solemnity, or a high degree of respect. “Sanctify the name” is a traditional religious expression, while the broader figurative senses are common in formal and journalistic English.
verbTo make something holy or sacred, especially by a religious rite or declaration. It can also mean to give something a place or status that is regarded as dignified, protected, or beyond criticism.
- To make something sacred or holy, especially through a religious ceremony.
- To endow something with holiness, dignity, or an elevated status.
- To legitimize or give authoritative approval to something.
"The ceremony was intended to sanctify the relationship between the two communities."
"Many traditions sanctify the beginning of the new year with rituals of reflection and renewal."
"The court's decision did not simply validate the agreement; it sanctified decades of political compromise."
To sanctify something is not merely to approve of it, but to set it apart as holy or worthy of lasting respect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sanctify come from?
Sanctify comes from Latin sanctificare, a verb formed from sanctus (“holy”) and facere (“to make”), literally “to make holy.” English borrowed the word through the language of religious writing, with related forms including saint, sanctuary, and sanctity. The Latin root also underlies sanctimonious, which originally referred to religious devotion or holiness and later developed a more critical meaning.
Related word forms
How sanctify is actually used
In religious contexts, the verb often carries a solemn or ceremonial tone. In modern figurative use, it can imply that something is being treated as unquestionably worthy of respect or approval, sometimes with the suggestion that the treatment is excessive.