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Sacrosanct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sacrosanct

[ˈsækrəˌsæŋkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sacred

Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with. Treated as if holy and so deserving respect.

Synonyms

holy, sacred, untouchable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacrosanct

Describes something regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with. Often used to emphasize strong beliefs, principles, or rights.

  • The right to free speech is considered sacrosanct in many democracies
sacred

Describes something that is revered due to religious significance or with a deep respect. Can be used in both religious and secular contexts.

  • The temple is a sacred place for the community
  • Family traditions are considered sacred
holy

Used in religious contexts to describe something with divine qualities or that is dedicated to a deity.

  • The Bible is considered holy by Christians
untouchable

Describes something that cannot or should not be altered, contacted, or affected. Can have a negative connotation when referring to social hierarchies.

  • The contract terms were declared untouchable by the stakeholders
  • In some cultures, certain individuals are unfairly treated as untouchable

Examples of usage

  • It is a sacrosanct principle of democracy that everyone should have the right to vote.
  • The privacy of individuals is considered sacrosanct in many cultures.
Context #2 | Adjective

invulnerable

Regarded as too important or valuable to be criticized or attacked. Not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with.

Synonyms

inviolable, sacred, untouchable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacrosanct

This word describes something that is considered too important or valuable to be interfered with or questioned, often related to principles or institutions.

  • For many, the right to free speech is sacrosanct
  • The constitution is treated as sacrosanct
inviolable

Used to describe something that is not to be violated or infringed upon, often referring to rights, promises, or principles.

  • Human rights are considered inviolable
  • The contract included inviolable terms
untouchable

Describes something or someone that cannot be harmed, altered, or criticized, sometimes implying a sense of superiority or protection. It can also have a negative connotation if used to label people or groups as socially outcast.

  • The team's winning streak made them untouchable in the league
  • Historically, the term 'untouchable' referred to certain social groups in India, which is now considered offensive
sacred

Often used in a religious or spiritual context, describing something that is holy and deserves deep respect.

  • The Bible is a sacred text for Christians
  • Many places in the city are considered sacred

Examples of usage

  • The author's artistic vision was considered sacrosanct and not to be altered by the editor.
  • In some societies, the leader's decisions are treated as sacrosanct and unquestionable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, sacred texts are considered sacrosanct; interfering with them is viewed as a serious offense.
  • Many political rights and freedoms are also labeled as sacrosanct, meaning they are fundamental and must be preserved.

Literature

  • In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the principles of Animalism are treated as sacrosanct, leading to conflicts when they are challenged.
  • Writers often invoke the concept of sacrosanct to discuss moral or ethical issues that should not be questioned.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like John Locke argued that certain rights are sacrosanct, forming the basis for modern human rights discourse.
  • The term is used in ethical debates to assert that some principles must remain untouchable despite societal changes.

Science

  • In some scientific discussions, the concept of 'sacrosanct' may refer to immutable laws of nature that cannot be violated.
  • The integrity of certain scientific experiments and findings is deemed sacrosanct to uphold research standards.

Origin of 'sacrosanct'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin where 'sacrosanctus' means 'sacred and inviolable', combining 'sacro' (sacred) with 'sanctus' (holy).
  • It was first adopted into English in the 17th century, often used in religious contexts to denote something considered untouchable.

The word 'sacrosanct' comes from the Latin 'sacrosanctus,' which is a combination of 'sacer' (sacred) and 'sanctus' (holy). It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. Originally used in religious contexts to refer to things that are holy or sacred, it has since evolved to also mean something that is considered too important or valuable to be interfered with.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,462, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.