Sanctum
/ˈsæŋk.təm/noun
A sacred or private place, especially one that is set apart for protection or privacy.
Did you know?Sanctum comes from the same root as *sanctify* and *saint*, because in ancient Latin the idea of holiness was tied to being made untouchable, protected by religious law.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sak-
“to make sacred, set apart”
Latin
Latin
sacer
“holy, sacred, consecrated; sometimes also dangerous or taboo”
Latin
Latin
sanctus
“made holy, consecrated, inviolable”
Late Latin
Latin
sanctum
“a sacred place or holy thing”
Middle English
English
sanctum
“a holy or protected place”
Modern English
English
sanctum
“a private or sacred retreat”