desecrate

[ des-i-kreyt ]

verb (used with object)

, des·e·crat·ed, des·e·crat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈdeseˌcrator, noun
• ˌdeseˈcration, noun

Other Words From

• des·e·crat·er des·e·cra·tor noun
• des·e·cra·tion [des-i-, krey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• un·des·e·crat·ed 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

By testing them for drugs, police “desecrated” Ta’Naja’s ashes, Barnes said in the lawsuit filed against the city of Springfield and six Springfield police officers.

From Washington Post

John Walker, when surrounded by people filming his deeds, makes a very different choice and—this cannot be emphasized enough—desecrates the symbolism of the shield by decapitating an innocent man with it.

From Time

They took selfies as they smashed windows and doors, desecrated sacred objects and paraded through the Capitol rotunda.

From Time

Scientists suspect the mud wrap may have been used to restore the body’s shape after it was desecrated, potentially by tomb robbers.

From Science News For Students

Leg fractures and other damage to the mummy’s body hint that the mud wrap may have been used to restore the body after it was desecrated, potentially by tomb robbers.

From Science News

It was no human remains that he was commanded to desecrate; the bones referred to were those of Mother Earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Do not neglect it; do not misuse it; before all things do not defile and desecrate it.

From Project Gutenberg

They used to have to stop miles away, as no engine was allowed to desecrate the holy city of Pekin.

From Project Gutenberg

You desecrate our sacred memories when you allow small suspicions and fears to enter your thoughts of me.

From Project Gutenberg

Proceeding straight up to the high altar, he bent his knee before the God whose name he was now so soon to desecrate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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