Desecration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desecration
[หdษsษชหkreษชส(ษ)n ]
Definitions
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 |
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desecration |
Used when something sacred or highly respected is treated with extreme disrespect. Often related to places of worship, graves, or monuments.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- The desecration of the church shocked the community.
- Such desecration of a religious site is considered a grave offense.
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 |
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desecration |
Used when referring to the disrespectful treatment of something considered sacred or holy, often involving religious or cultural significance.
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defacement |
Used when talking about the damaging or vandalizing of the appearance of something, particularly with graffiti or other markings.
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disfigurement |
Used to describe severe damage or alteration that causes something, especially a person or object, to lose its original form or appearance.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- The desecration of the cemetery caused outrage among the residents.
- The desecration of the war memorial was met with condemnation.
sacred place
To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; violate.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'desecration'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.
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- 23838 burgers
- 23839 deplete
- 23840 ejaculated
- 23841 desecration
- 23842 relented
- 23843 reiteration
- 23844 weedy
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