profane
[ pruh-feyn, proh- ]
/ prəˈfeɪn, proʊ- /
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adjective
verb (used with object), pro·faned, pro·fan·ing.
to misuse (anything that should be held in reverence or respect); defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily.
to treat (anything sacred) with irreverence or contempt; violate the sanctity of: to profane a shrine.
SYNONYMS FOR profane
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Origin of profane
OTHER WORDS FROM profane
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH profane
lewd, obscene, pornographic, profanatory, profaneWords nearby profane
pro-European, prof, profamily, profanation, profanatory, profane, profanity, profascist, profeminist, Prof. Eng., profert
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for profane
profane
/ (prəˈfeɪn) /
adjective
having or indicating contempt, irreverence, or disrespect for a divinity or something sacred
not designed or used for religious purposes; secular
not initiated into the inner mysteries or sacred rites
vulgar, coarse, or blasphemousprofane language
verb (tr)
to treat or use (something sacred) with irreverence
to put to an unworthy or improper use
Derived forms of profane
Word Origin for profane
C15: from Latin profānus outside the temple, from pro- 1 + fānum temple
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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