sanctimony

English

Etymology

From Latin sānctimōnia (“sanctity, sacredness; purity, chastity”), from sanctus (“holy”) + -monia (“action or result of an action”).

Noun

sanctimony (uncountable)

1. A hypocritical form of excessive piety, considered to be an affectation merely for public show.

See also

• self-righteous
• phony
• holier-than-thou