Desecrator: meaning, definitions and examples

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desecrator

[ˈdɛsɪˌkreɪtə ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person who desecrates

A desecrator is someone who shows disrespect or irreverence for something sacred or holy. This term is often used to describe individuals who vandalize religious sites, deface monuments, or commit sacrilegious acts.

Synonyms

profaner, sacrilegious person, vandal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desecrator	Used to describe someone who shows disrespect to something sacred or holy, often in a religious context. The desecrator was caught defiling the ancient temple. Many were shocked by the actions of the desecrator who vandalized the sacred ground.
vandal	Used to describe someone who deliberately destroys or damages property, with a broader application beyond just religious contexts. The vandals spray-painted graffiti on the town hall. CCTV footage captured the vandals smashing the park benches.
sacrilegious person	Refers to someone who commits sacrilege, which means violating or misusing what is regarded as sacred. The sacrilegious person was heavily criticized for his disrespectful behavior. Witnesses claimed that the sacrilegious person defaced the church statue.
profaner	Someone who treats sacred things with irreverence or disrespect, typically used in a religious or spiritual context. The profaner showed no respect for the religious artifacts. As a known profaner, he was not welcome in the holy places.

Examples of usage

The desecrator spray-painted graffiti on the church walls.
The desecrator destroyed the ancient temple by smashing its statues.
The desecrator was arrested for desecrating a cemetery.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'desecrate' comes from the Latin 'desecratus', meaning 'made unholy' or 'violated'.
The prefix 'de-' indicates removal, while 'sacrare' means to make sacred, highlighting the act of stripping away holiness.

Historical Examples

During the Roman Empire, conquering armies would often desecrate temples of the defeated cultures to assert dominance.
In various historical revolutions, sacred symbols of the old regime were desecrated as a means to signify change and new beginnings.

Cultural Practices

Many religions have rituals that involve protecting sacred sites from desecration, reflecting values of respect and reverence.
The destruction or desecration of sacred sites has often led to conflict between differing cultural or religious groups.

Psychological Impact

Desecration can lead to feelings of anger and loss among communities, affecting their sense of identity.
Psychologically, people may experience trauma when something they revere is disrespected or destroyed.

Literature

In literature, acts of desecration are often used to symbolize a character’s moral decline or the collapse of social order.
Many classic works reference the desecration of sacred places to illustrate the clash between civilization and chaos.

Translations

Translations of the word "desecrator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 profanador

🇮🇳 अपवित्रकर्ता

🇩🇪 Schänder

🇮🇩 penodai

🇺🇦 осквернитель

🇵🇱 profanator

🇯🇵 冒涜者 (ぼうとくしゃ)

🇫🇷 profanateur

🇪🇸 profanador

🇹🇷 hakaret eden

🇰🇷 모독자

🇸🇦 مدنس

🇨🇿 znesvětitel

🇸🇰 znesvätiteľ

🇨🇳 亵渎者

🇸🇮 oskrunilec

🇮🇸 vanhelgari

🇰🇿 қасиеттілікті қорлайтын

🇬🇪 უწმინდური

🇦🇿 müqəddəsliyi təhqir edən

🇲🇽 profanador