Skip to main content

sanctifyto make something holy or sacred; to purify or free from sin

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make something holy or sacred; to purify or free from sin

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother believes that saying grace can sanctify even instant ramen.
  • The monks sanctify the monastery every morning with their prayers.
  • He tried to sanctify his messy room by lighting a candle, but it still looked like a tornado hit it.

sanctify

VERB

[/ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/]

to make something holy or sacred; to purify or free from sin

Making something holy and sacred
💡 Concept

Making something holy and sacred

To justify his sins, he sanctifies the cup until it's purified
🎵 Rhyme

To justify his sins, he sanctifies the cup until it's purified

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootsanct
Suffix--ify

Origin

From Latin sanctificare, derived from sanctus (holy, sacred) and facere (to make). The word originally meant 'to make sacred or holy' and has retained this fundamental sense through its evolution into modern English.

Breakdown

sanctus (holy, sacred) + facere (to make) = sanctificare (to make holy). The suffix -ify (from facere) indicates the causative action of rendering something sacred.

🎵Rhyme

classifysatisfyterrifyjustify
classify
satisfy
terrify
justify

🔗Collocations

sanctify marriage
sanctify the ground
sanctify by prayer
sanctify the temple
sanctify oneself

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother believes that saying grace can sanctify even instant ramen.

The monks sanctify the monastery every morning with their prayers.

😄 Fun example

He tried to sanctify his messy room by lighting a candle, but it still looked like a tornado hit it.

The ancient ritual was believed to sanctify the harvest season.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

consecrateblesspurifyhallowdedicate

Antonyms

defiledesecrateprofane

Related

sanctuarysaintsacredholydivine

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.