sanctify
UK: ˈsaŋktɪfaɪ | US: ˈsæŋktəˌfaɪ
vt. to make holy or sacred
vt. to purify or free from sin
vt. to give official approval or legitimacy
The word "sanctify" originates from Latin sanctificare, combining sanctus (holy) and -ficare (a suffix meaning "to make"). The root sanct- appears in many English words related to holiness (e.g., "sanctuary," "sanction"), while -ify is a productive suffix borrowed from Latin -ificare, used to form verbs meaning "to cause to be." Over time, "sanctify" evolved from its religious context ("to make holy") to broader secular meanings like "to legitimize." The morphemes preserve their original spelling and meaning, making the word easy to decode for learners.
The priest will sanctify the new chapel during the ceremony.
Traditions often sanctify practices that were once considered ordinary.
The treaty was signed to sanctify the alliance between the two nations.
She believed love could sanctify even the most flawed relationships.
Ancient rituals were used to sanctify the harvest and ensure prosperity.