What does sanctify mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To sanctify means to make or declare something or someone holy, sacred, or set apart for a specific purpose, often through a ritual or ceremony.

Examples

1. “The priest sanctified the church with a blessing.”

2. “The family sanctified their love for each other with a vow of commitment.”

Synonyms

1. Consecrate

2. Bless

3. Hallow

Antonyms

1. Desecrate

2. Defile

3. Profane

Additional Information

The term “sanctify” has its roots in Christianity, where it refers to the process of making something or someone holy or set apart for God’s use. However, the concept of sanctification can be found in various cultures and religions, where it often involves rituals or ceremonies to mark the transition from a profane to a sacred state.

In many Christian denominations, sanctification is a process that occurs over time, where a person’s character and behavior are transformed to become more like Jesus Christ. This transformation is often seen as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the individual’s life.

Sanctification can also refer to the process of setting something apart for a specific purpose or use. For example, a piece of land might be sanctified for use as a cemetery or a sacred site.

Etymology

The word “sanctify” comes from the Latin “sanctificare,” which means “to make holy.” This Latin term is derived from “sanctus,” meaning “holy” or “sacred,” and the suffix “-ficare,” which means “to make” or “to do.”

Usage Notes

The term “sanctify” can be used in various contexts, including religious ceremonies, rituals, and everyday conversations. When using this word, it is essential to consider the context and intended meaning to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the concept of sanctification is often depicted in movies, literature, and music as a transformative process that changes an individual’s life or perspective. For example, the movie “The Mission” (1986) depicts the sanctification of a Jesuit priest who dedicates his life to protecting the indigenous people of South America.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Sanctify the moment” – to make a particular moment or occasion special or meaningful.

2. “Sanctify the space” – to make a particular place or environment holy or sacred.

Collocations

1. “Sanctify the marriage” – to make the marriage holy or sacred.

2. “Sanctify the child” – to make the child holy or blessed.

Frequency of Use

The word “sanctify” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is often found in religious and ceremonial contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “sanctify” appears in approximately 0.1% of all written texts.

Common Misspellings

1. Sanctifye

2. Sanctefy

3. Sanctifie