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Desecration: meaning, definitions and examples

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desecration

 

[ ˌdɛsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

act of

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

Synonyms

profanation, sacrilege, violation

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'desecration' originated from the Latin word 'desecrare', which means 'to make unholy'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of desecration has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, where the violation of sacred places or objects is seen as a serious offense. Desecration can range from physical damage to symbolic acts of disrespect, and it often carries strong emotional and cultural significance.

See also: desecrator.

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.