desecration

[des-i-krey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of treating something sacred or solemn in a sacrilegious or disrespectful way.

   Many locals opposed the use of their former church building as a courthouse, feeling that conducting civil matters there would be a desecration of a holy place.

2. the act of ruining or violating something revered or greatly valued.

   Greedy corporations are contributing to the demise of civilization and the desecration of the ecosystem.

Other Word Forms

• nondesecration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecration¹

desecr(ate) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The justices backed up that ruling a short time later, invalidating a federal law banning desecration of the flag that was passed in Johnson’s wake.

From Salon

She said she wanted to "unleash the spirit of Lincolnshire" against "the planned desecration of our countryside".

From BBC

"That original taking was illicit, was unethical, was a form of desecration," he told BBC News NI.

From BBC

He had pleaded guilty to the 2024 arson attack which the church described as "an act of desecration and sacrilege".

From BBC

At least two desecrations have occurred so far.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blasphemy