In Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Oriental Orthodoxy, and some other churches, holy water is water which has been sanctified by a priest for the purpose of baptism, the blessing of persons, places, and objects; or as a means of repelling evil.

The first use of holy water, i.e. for baptism and spiritual cleansing, is common among several religions, from Christianity to Sikhism and Hinduism.

The second use of holy water, i.e. as a sacramental for protection against evil, is almost exclusive to Roman Catholics