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Desecrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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desecrate

 

[ ˈdɛsɪˌkreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

inappropriate behavior

To desecrate means to treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect. It involves damaging or violating something that is considered holy or sacred.

Synonyms

defile, profane, violate

Examples of usage

  • The vandals desecrated the church by spray painting graffiti on its walls.
  • The soldiers desecrated the cemetery by trampling over the graves.
  • The protesters desecrated the national flag by burning it in public.
Context #2 | Verb

disrespectful act

To desecrate can also mean to treat something with disrespect or irreverence, especially something that is considered to be of great importance or value.

Synonyms

degrade, dishonor, disrespect

Examples of usage

  • The students desecrated the teacher's trust by cheating on the exam.
  • The graffiti artist desecrated the historic building by defacing its facade.

Translations

Translations of the word "desecrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 profanar

🇮🇳 अपवित्र करना

🇩🇪 entweihen

🇮🇩 menodai

🇺🇦 осквернити

🇵🇱 sprofanować

🇯🇵 冒涜する (ぼうとくする)

🇫🇷 profaner

🇪🇸 profanar

🇹🇷 kirletmek

🇰🇷 모독하다

🇸🇦 دنّس

🇨🇿 znesvětit

🇸🇰 znesvätiť

🇨🇳 亵渎 (xièdú)

🇸🇮 oskruniti

🇮🇸 vanhelga

🇰🇿 қасиетті жерді қорлау

🇬🇪 განწმენდა

🇦🇿 təhqir etmək

🇲🇽 profanar

Etymology

The word 'desecrate' has Latin origins, coming from the combination of the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'away') and the word 'sacrare' (meaning 'to make sacred'). It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of desecration has been present throughout history in various cultures, often associated with sacrilege and the violation of religious or cultural practices.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,125 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.