inviolable
UK: ɪnˈvaɪələbl̩ | US: ɪnˈvaɪələbl̩
adj. impossible to violate or break; secure from destruction or infringement
adj. sacred or holy; not to be profaned
inviolable = in<not> + viol<violate> + able<capable of>
- in: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- viol: Root derived from Latin violare ("to violate, injure").
- able: Suffix meaning "capable of" (from Latin -abilis).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin inviolabilis, combining in- (negation) + violare ("to violate") + -abilis (ability suffix). It originally described things (e.g., oaths, temples) deemed sacred or untouchable. The root viol persists in related words like violate and violence, reinforcing the idea of forceful breach. Over time, inviolable expanded to abstract concepts (e.g., rights, principles) that are morally or legally unbreakable.
The confidentiality agreement was considered inviolable by all parties.
Ancient traditions held the temple grounds as inviolable.
Human rights are inviolable under international law.
The scientist treated the experimental data as inviolable evidence.
Their friendship was built on inviolable trust.