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Desecrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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desecrate

[หˆdษ›sษชหŒkreษชt ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desecrate

Appropriate when discussing the act of treating something sacred or holy with disrespect or violence.

  • Vandals desecrated the ancient church by spray painting its walls.
  • It is a crime to desecrate a burial ground.
violate

Best used when referring to breaking rules, laws, agreements, or personal boundaries, with emphasis on the act of infringement or abuse.

  • The new policy violates our rights to privacy.
  • They accused him of violating the ceasefire agreement.
defile

Used when someone spoils, pollutants, or makes something less pure, often with a strong sense of moral or physical contamination.

  • The river was defiled by industrial waste.
  • She felt that the corruption of her childhood memories had defiled her innocence.
profane

Applicable when describing the act of showing disrespect for religious or sacred practices and beliefs, often through inappropriate or crude behavior.

  • The comedian's profane jokes offended many in the audience.
  • He was criticized for his profane language during the service.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desecrate

Used to describe the act of treating a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect. This word often carries a very strong negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for attempting to desecrate the local cemetery.
  • Vandals desecrated the ancient temple with graffiti.
disrespect

Used when someone shows a lack of respect or courtesy towards others. This term can apply to interpersonal interactions or attitudes toward objects or beliefs.

  • It is rude to disrespect your teachers by talking during class.
  • He showed complete disrespect for the rules by ignoring them.
dishonor

Refers to bringing shame or disgrace to someone or something, often undermining their reputation or values.

  • He refuses to dishonor his familyโ€™s name by getting involved in criminal activities.
  • She felt her actions would dishonor the sacrifices of her ancestors.
degrade

Implies a reduction in quality or value, often through unethical, disrespectful, or harmful actions. It can also refer to lowering someoneโ€™s dignity or self-respect.

  • Pollution continues to degrade the quality of our natural environment.
  • Do not degrade your coworkers with insulting comments.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • During the Reformation, many religious sites were desecrated as Protestant reformers challenged Catholic practices.
  • In ancient civilizations, desecrating temples could lead to severe consequences, including curses or public outcry.
  • The desecration of the Baghdad Museum in 2003 highlighted the impact of war on cultural heritage.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, desecration often serves as a plot device, symbolizing moral decline or evil actions.
  • Songs and poetry sometimes reference desecration to evoke feelings of loss, mourning, or rebellion against authority.
  • The concept appears in various artworks that critique society's views on spirituality and tradition.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the moral implications of desecrating objects deemed sacred, questioning the nature of respect and value.
  • This concept raises questions about cultural relativism: what is considered sacred varies across societies and belief systems.
  • Discussions on desecration often intersect with freedom of expression and the boundaries of art.

Psychology

  • The act of desecration can lead to trauma for communities, emphasizing the psychological connection between people and their sacred spaces.
  • Studies show that emotions tied to sacred objects or places can influence people's reactions to desecration, often eliciting anger or grief.
  • Understanding the psychology of desecration can help in conflict resolution by addressing deeper cultural emotions.

Origin of 'desecrate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'desecratus,' meaning 'to make unholy,' from 'de-' (away) and 'sacrare' (to make sacred).
  • The term has been in use since the early 17th century, reflecting evolving views on spirituality and respect.
  • Different languages have similar roots; for example, the Spanish word 'profanar' also means to desecrate.

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.