Definition

The state of being protected from violation or harm; something that cannot be broken or violated.

Example

The inviolability of human rights is a fundamental principle in many societies.

Conversation

I was reading about the inviolability of personal rights in my law class.

That sounds interesting! What does it mean exactly?

It means that certain rights can't be violated or taken away.

Got it! It's important to protect those rights for everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inviolability → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "violabilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be violated) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "inviolability" means the state of being not able to be violated or harmed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to be 'violated' ('violabilis') — that's why inviolability means the quality of being safe from harm.

Visually Confused Words