ˌsaŋ(k)təfə̇ˈkāshən, ˌsaiŋ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin sanctification-, sanctificatio, from sanctificatus (past participle of sanctificare to make holy) + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : an act of sanctifying or of being sanctified ; specifically : an act or process of growth in God's grace by which men are set free from the bondage of sin and exalted to a supreme love of God and service to his Kingdom under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
b. : the state of thus being purified : holiness
2. : development of or increasing adherence to a body of normative rules and standards — contrasted with secularization