Adjective

sacred (comparative more sacred, superlative most sacred)

Positive sacred

Comparative more sacred

Superlative most sacred

1. Set apart by solemn religious ceremony; especially, in a good sense, made holy; set apart to religious use; consecrated; not profane or common; as, a sacred place; a sacred day; sacred service.
2. Relating to religion, or to the services of religion; not secular; religious; as, sacred history.

   Smit with the love of sacred song. -John Milton.

3. Designated or exalted by a divine sanction; possessing the highest title to obedience, honor, reverence, or veneration; entitled to extreme reverence; venerable.

   Such neighbor nearness to our sacred [royal] blood Should nothing privilege him. Shakespeare

   Poet and saint to thee alone were given, The two most sacred names of earth and heaven. -Cowley.

4. Hence, not to be profaned or violated; inviolable.

   Secrets of marriage still are sacred held. -Dryden.

5. Consecrated; dedicated; devoted; -- with to.

   A temple, sacred to the queen of love. -Dryden.

6. (archaic) Solemnly devoted, in a bad sense, as to evil, vengeance, curse, or the like; accursed; baleful.

   But, to destruction sacred and devote. -Milton.

Holiness, or sanctity, is in general the state of being holy (perceived by religious individuals as associated with the divine) or sacred (considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspiring awe or reverence among believers in a given set of spiritual ideas). In other contexts, objects are often considered 'holy' or 'sacred' if used for spiritual purposes, such as the worship or service of gods. These terms can also be used in a non-spiritual or semi-spiritual context ("sacred truths" in a constitution). It is often ascribed to people ("a holy man" of religious occupation, "holy prophet" who is venerated by his followers), objects ("sacred artifact" that is worshipped), times ("holy days" of spiritual introspection, such as during winter holidays), or places ("sacred ground", "holy place").