Desecration: meaning, definitions and examples

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desecration

[ˌdɛsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

act of

The action of desecrating something, especially a sacred place or object.

Synonyms

profanation, sacrilege, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desecration	Used when something sacred or highly respected is treated with extreme disrespect. Often related to places of worship, graves, or monuments. The villagers were outraged by the desecration of their ancient temple
profanation	Refers to the act of showing disrespect to something sacred or holy, usually through words or actions that make it less pure or holy. The comedian's jokes about religious rituals were seen as a profanation by many
sacrilege	Indicates a more severe and often intentional act of disrespect towards something sacred, which can be perceived as blasphemous. This term carries strong negative connotations. Stealing the relics from the church was considered a sacrilege
violation	A general term used when rules, laws, or sacred norms are broken. This word is not limited to a religious context and can apply to any situation involving the breaking of rules or norms. The construction of the building was halted due to the violation of zoning laws

Examples of usage

The desecration of the church shocked the community.
Such desecration of a religious site is considered a grave offense.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

damage

The act of damaging or treating with disrespect something that is considered sacred.

Synonyms

defacement, disfigurement, mutilation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desecration	Used when referring to the disrespectful treatment of something considered sacred or holy, often involving religious or cultural significance. The desecration of the ancient temple caused an uproar among the local community. Vandalizing the cemetery was seen as an act of desecration.
defacement	Used when talking about the damaging or vandalizing of the appearance of something, particularly with graffiti or other markings. The defacement of the public statue with spray paint upset many residents. Authorities are trying to find those responsible for the defacement of the monument.
disfigurement	Used to describe severe damage or alteration that causes something, especially a person or object, to lose its original form or appearance. The fire caused severe disfigurement to the historic building. She lived with permanent disfigurement after the accident.
mutilation	Used to describe the act of causing severe physical harm to a body, resulting in disfigurement or loss of function. This term has a strong negative connotation. The mutilation of animals was condemned by animal rights activists. The historical artifacts showed signs of mutilation.

Examples of usage

The desecration of the cemetery caused outrage among the residents.
The desecration of the war memorial was met with condemnation.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

sacred place

To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; violate.

Synonyms

defile, profane, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desecration	Already defined above.
defile	Use 'defile' when referring to the act of making something dirty, impure, or unclean, especially in a physical or moral sense. This can be used for both tangible and intangible things and suggests a significant degree of harm or contamination. The factory's waste products defiled the river, making it unsafe for wildlife The scandal defiled the politician's reputation
profane	Use 'profane' when referring to treating something with a lack of respect, especially regarding religion or sacred things. It is often used to describe language or actions that show irreverence towards something considered sacred. His profane jokes were not appreciated at the religious gathering The artist's work was considered profane by traditionalists
violate	Use 'violate' when referring to breaking or disregarding a law, rule, contract, or someone's rights. This can apply in various contexts, ranging from legal and human rights to personal boundaries. It has a broad application but generally suggests a serious breach. The company was fined for violating environmental regulations Trespassing on private property is a clear violation of the law

Examples of usage

The vandals desecrated the temple by painting graffiti on its walls.
The act of desecrating a synagogue is a hate crime.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'desecratio', which combines 'de-' (apart) and 'sacrare' (to make sacred).
In English, it first appeared around the 16th century, referring to the act of making something unholy.
Related terms include 'sacred' and 'sacrilege', which also deal with notions of holiness and respect.

Religion

In various religions, desecration can include actions like vandalizing places of worship or disturbing graves.
Many cultures believe that desecrating sacred sites brings curses or misfortune upon the perpetrators.
Historically, desecration has sparked wars and conflicts, often involving the protection of sacred spaces.

Literature

In literature, acts of desecration can symbolize the loss of innocence or the end of an era.
Classic novels often depict characters who face moral dilemmas related to desecration, highlighting inner conflict.
The theme of desecration appears in dystopian works, where societal values are undermined, reflecting broader fears.

Culture

Modern protests sometimes involve acts perceived as desecration, such as defiling national symbols to express dissent.
In art, the desecration of well-known images or symbols can challenge viewers' perspectives and provoke thought.
Some artists use desensitization to sacred concepts to confront societal norms, creating dialogues around respect and meaning.

Psychology

The psychological impact of desecration can result in communal trauma or conflict, leading to long-lasting societal divisions.
Individuals witnessing or participating in acts of desecration may experience guilt or moral distress.
Understanding the reasons behind desecration can reveal deeper issues, such as group identity, belonging, or rebellion.

Translations

Translations of the word "desecration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 profanar

🇮🇳 अपवित्रीकरण

🇩🇪 Schändung

🇮🇩 penodaan

🇺🇦 осквернення

🇵🇱 zbezczeszczenie

🇯🇵 冒涜 (ぼうとく)

🇫🇷 profanation

🇪🇸 profanación

🇹🇷 hakaret

🇰🇷 모독

🇸🇦 تدنيس

🇨🇿 znesvěcení

🇸🇰 znesvätenie

🇨🇳 亵渎 (xièdú)

🇸🇮 oskrunitev

🇮🇸 vanhelgun

🇰🇿 қасиетсіздік

🇬🇪 შებღალვა

🇦🇿 müqəddəsliyə hörmətsizlik

🇲🇽 profanación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,841, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23838 burgers
23839 deplete
23840 ejaculated
23841 desecration
23842 relented
23843 reiteration
23844 weedy
...