inviolable

Inviolable describes something that must not be violated or breached; it is treated as sacred, private, or legally protected to an extent that violation is considered unlawful. The term is commonly used in discussions of rights, dignity, and protections that are regarded as fundamental or sacrosanct.

Etymology: from the Latin inviolabilis, formed from in- “not” + violare “to violate.” The word entered English from Latin via early modern usage and retains the sense of absolute protection against infringement.

In constitutional and human rights discourse, inviolable rights are rights that governments may not infringe, even with ordinary legislative or policing power. The phrase is often used to emphasize inherent human dignity, privacy, and other protections that lie beyond arbitrary interference.

Other applications include inviolability of the home or private life, inviolability of diplomatic agents or premises, and the sanctity of asylum or religious sanctuary, where intrusion is restricted by law or custom.

In modern usage, inviolable is commonly contrasted with violable to mark the boundary between protected entitlements and powers that may be restricted or curtailed under law.