sanctity

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsaŋ(k)tɪti/

noun (plural sanctities)

[mass noun]
  • 1the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly: the site of the tomb was a place of sanctity for the ancient Egyptians
  • 2ultimate importance and inviolability: the sanctity of human life

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'saintliness'): from Old French sainctite, reinforced by Latin sanctitas, from sanctus 'holy'