Sacred

English

Etymology

Originally past participle of Old English sacren to consecrate, French sacrer, from Latin sacrare, from sacer sacred, holy, cursed. Cf. Consecrate, Execrate , Saint, Sextion .

Adjective

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. 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 (source)
   • 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. Solemnly devoted, in a bad sense, as to evil, vengeance, curse, or the like; accursed; baleful. [Archaic]
   • But, to destruction sacred and devote. Milton .