inalienable

Definition

Not subject to being alienated, that is, surrendered, taken away, or transferred to another.

Etymology

Borrowed around 1645 from French inaliénable, from in- + aliénable (“alienable”), equivalent to in- + alienable.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: indelible, unsurrenderable, permanent"
• "An inalienable right is a right that cannot be given away nor taken away."
• ""Know thy own worth, and reverence the lyre," is a line that should be as a fillet bound round the brow—a philactory embroidered on the garments of every son and daughter of Adam distinguished by the possession of that sacred gift, which, whether used or abused, applauded in itself or derided in its possessor, is the highest and the most inalienable distinction humanity ever has or ever can be gifted with, whether bestowed on the highest or the humblest being, in the great mass to which we all belong."