impiety

American  

[im-pahy-i-tee] / ɪmˈpaɪ ɪ ti /

noun

PLURAL

impieties

1. lack of piety; lack of reverence for God or sacred things; irreverence.

2. lack of dutifulness or respect.

3. an impious act, practice, etc.

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impiety British  

/ ɪmˈpaɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of reverence or proper respect for a god

2. any lack of proper respect

3. an impious act

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Etymology

Origin of impiety

1300–50; Middle English impietie < Latin impietās, equivalent to impi ( us ) impious + -etās, variant, after vowels, of -itās -ity

Example Sentences

The impiety of Thales had a more enduring impact, his reputation soaring over the ages.

From New York Times

She was known for making provocative statements in class, such as dismissing as a political stunt Socrates’ famous apology at his trial for impiety and corruption.

From Washington Post

“All your religious parade and solemnity are ... mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety and hypocrisy.”

From Washington Post

He was found guilty of corruption of the youth in Athens and impiety, namely “failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges” and “introducing new deities.”

From Washington Post

This “cool, cerebral book about a cool, cerebral talent,” Garner writes, “unpeels the way that Kubrick’s movies, packed as they are with impieties, challenge, infuriate and entertain.”

From New York Times