sanctifying
|sanc-ti-fy-ing|
/ˈsæŋ(k)tɪfaɪ/
(sanctify)
make holy
Etymology
'sanctify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sanctificare', where 'sanctus' meant 'holy' and 'facere' (via the suffix -ficare) meant 'to make'.
'sanctify' passed into Old French as 'sanctifier' and into Middle English (e.g. 'sanctifien' / 'sanctifien'), eventually becoming modern English 'sanctify' and forms like 'sanctifying'.
Initially, it meant 'to make holy' or 'to set apart as sacred,' and over time it has retained that core meaning while also extending metaphorically to mean 'to approve or make legitimate' in some contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'sanctify': to make holy or set apart as sacred; to consecrate or purify (often by ritual).
The ceremony centered on sanctifying the altar before the festival.
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Adjective 1
having the effect or purpose of making something holy or sacred; serving to sanctify.
They performed a sanctifying ritual to mark the new community center.
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Last updated: 2025/08/29 10:53