Inviolable

Definition

Inviolable means protected from violation due to moral, legal, or sacred authority. Invincible, by contrast, means impossible to defeat in direct conflict or competition, not protected by rules or sanctity. Inviolable focuses on being untouchable because of rights, laws, or sacredness. Invincible focuses on being unbeatable in a fight or contest.

What it describes

A country’s constitution guarantees that every citizen has the right to privacy. The government would like to listen to private phone calls without permission. However, the supreme court steps in and declares that this right cannot be broken for any reason – not even for national security. The right is protected by law, and no one is allowed to violate it. What kind of right is the right to privacy? It is an inviolable right.

Examples in context

• The United Nations Declaration states that certain human rights are inviolable.
• The embassy grounds are considered inviolable territory under international law.