Sanctification \Sanc`ti*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. sanctificatio: cf. F. sanctification.]

1. The act of sanctifying or making holy; the state of being sanctified or made holy; esp. (Theol.), the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified, or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God; also, the state of being thus purified or sanctified.

God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. --2 Thess. ii. 13.

2. The act of consecrating, or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration. --Bp. Burnet.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)