Sacrosanct

The OED defines the word sacrosanct as, "Of persons and things, esp. obligation, laws, etc.: Secured by a religious sanction from violation, infringement, or encroachment; inviolable, sacred." This word started out being used within a religious environment, where it was meant to evoke piety. Now, it has taken on a more negative connotation and has been secularized so as to be used in a wider variety of circumstances. In its modern usage it often takes on a sarcastic and demeaning connotation. I think that the shift in this words usage is very interesting. I have been watching quite a bit of The West Wing today, so this word seemed relevant since it is mostly used today in more educated and professional conversations in business and especially in politics.

The etymological history, according to the OED, of this word is from two separate words, both of which are Latin. The first is "sacrum" meaning "sacred rite," and the second word that makes up sacrosanct is "sanctus" meaning "to render holy or inviolable."