MEANING
1. A sacred place, especially an inner or restricted sacred area.
2. A private retreat or room where access is restricted.
Use it for
Protected sacred spaces, guarded studies, privileged access.Expose who may cross a supposedly inviolable threshold.
Words that belong together
- inner sanctum
- private sanctum
- enter the sanctum
On the page
No servant entered the master's private sanctum.
The shrine's inner sanctum remained closed during repairs.
Her desk was the only corner she considered a sanctum.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- sanctum
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Often figurative in private sanctum; inner sanctum emphasizes restricted access, not necessarily religion. Plural sanctums or sancta.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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