1. makes or declares something holy or sacred
Usage: third person singular present tense of sanctify
2. purifies or frees from sin
Usage: religious context
3. gives religious approval to something

Examples

• The priest sanctifies the marriage ceremony with his blessing.
• Prayer sanctifies the beginning of each meal in their household.
• The church sanctifies this ground as a burial site.
• She believes that suffering sanctifies the soul.
• The ritual sanctifies the transition from childhood to adulthood.
• Holy water sanctifies the baptismal ceremony.
• The community sanctifies this tradition through generations of practice.