desecration

American  

[des-i-krey-shuhn] / dɛs ɪˈkreɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nondesecration noun

Etymology

Origin of desecration

desecr(ate) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Certain hardline sections of the ultra-Orthodox community disagree with autopsies, saying any interference with a dead body is a desecration according to the Torah.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Across the country, the criminal-justice system should take desecration of the dead far more seriously as an aggravating factor in thefts, with stronger prosecutions and harsher penalties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Local authorities say four suspects have been arrested over the desecration, but their identities have not been made public.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

Native Hawaiians have strongly objected to adding an enormous telescope to the many on Manua Kea, the TMT’s preferred site, regarding it as a further desecration of a sacred place.

From Science Magazine • May 24, 2024

Shemira, the act of guarding our dead, was one of our oldest burial traditions, dating back to the days when desecration and vermin were true threats.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• blasphemy