First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
sacred
adjective sa·cred \ˈsā-krəd\
: worthy of religious worship : very holy
: relating to religion
: highly valued and important : deserving great respect
Full Definition of SACRED
1
a : dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity <a tree sacred to the gods> b : devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person or purpose) <a fund sacred to charity>
2
a : worthy of religious veneration : holy b : entitled to reverence and respect
3
: of or relating to religion : not secular or profane <sacred music>
4
archaic : accursed
5
a : unassailable, inviolable b : highly valued and important <a sacred responsibility>
— sa·cred·ly adverb
— sa·cred·ness noun
See sacred defined for English-language learners
See sacred defined for kids
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Origin of SACRED
Middle English, from past participle of sacren to consecrate, from Anglo-French sacrer, from Latin sacrare, from sacr-, sacer sacred; akin to Latin sancire to make sacred, Hittite šaklāi- rite
Related to SACRED
- Synonyms
- hallowed, holy, inviolable, sacrosanct, unassailable, untouchable
- Antonyms
- nonreligious, profane, secular
Other Christian Religious Terms
SACRED Defined for Kids
sacred
adjective sa·cred \ˈsā-krəd\
Definition of SACRED for Kids
1
: holy 1 <a sacred shrine>
2
: religious 2 <sacred songs>
3
: deserving to be respected and honored <Freedom is a sacred right.>
Word Root of SACRED
The Latin word sacer, meaning “holy,” and the related word sānctus, also meaning “holy,” give us the roots sacr and sanct. Words from the Latin sacer or sānctus have something to do with holiness. A sanctuary is a holy place. Anything sacred is holy. To sacrifice is to dedicate as a holy offering to a god.
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