desecrate

[des-i-kreyt]

verb (used with object)

desecrated, desecrating 

1. to divest of sacred or hallowed character or office.

2. to divert from a sacred to a profane use or purpose.

3. to treat with sacrilege; profane.

   Synonyms: outrage, pollute, dishonor, violate, defile

desecrate

/ ˈdɛsɪˌkreɪt /

verb

1. to violate or outrage the sacred character of (an object or place) by destructive, blasphemous, or sacrilegious action

2. to remove the consecration from (a person, object, building, etc); deconsecrate

Other Word Forms

• desecrater noun
• desecrator noun
• desecration noun
• undesecrated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate¹

First recorded in 1665–75; de- + -secrate, modeled on consecrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate¹

C17: from _de- + _consecrate

Example Sentences

“Excessively entertainment-oriented portrayals desecrate the nation’s suffering and disrespect the people who made sacrifices,” read a recent commentary published in the state-run Economic Daily newspaper.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

One middle-aged American man wore a cream dinner jacket to be desecrated as a souvenir.

Read more on BBC

A family of a murdered man who were only given a small amount of his remains to bury are calling for desecrating a body to become its own crime.

Read more on BBC

Offenders could face up to three months in prison and a £1,000 fine for desecrating the monument to Britain's wartime leader.

Read more on BBC

Tension was brewing between us, but I was terrified to address it and desecrate our sacred platonic bond as roommates.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defile 
• dishonor 
• pervert 
• pillage 
• profane 
• ravage