v.
Pronunciation: - ˌ f ī
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -fied ; -fy · ing
Etymology: Middle English seintefien, sanctifien, from Anglo-French seintefier, sanctifier, from Late Latin sanctificare, from Latin sanctus sacred ― more at SAINT
Date: 14th century
1 : to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : CONSECRATE
2 : to free from sin : PURIFY
3 a : to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to b : to give moral or social sanction to
4 : to make productive of holiness or piety <observe the day of the sabbath, to sanctify it ― Deut 5:12(DV)>