Profaned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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profaned
[prəˈfeɪnd ]
Definitions
religious, sacred
Profaned means to treat something sacred with disrespect or irreverence. It is often used in the context of religious ceremonies or holy places, indicating an act that violates their sanctity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- They profaned the shrine by defacing it.
- The artist's work was seen as having profaned traditional values.
- His words profaned the sanctity of the occasion.
general, disrespect
To profane can also mean to irreverently treat or use something in a way that ruins its quality or value. This broader usage can apply to concepts, ideas, or legacies that are held in high regard.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The humor in the film profaned the serious subject matter.
- She felt that the discussion profaned the memory of the deceased.
- Do not profane the art of writing with careless language.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Studies
- In many religions, certain objects, places, or rituals are considered sacred, so to profane them is seen as a serious offense.
- In Christianity, profaning can refer to treating holy days or scriptures with irreverence.
Literature
- The concept has been explored in various works, discussing the tension between reverence and irreverence, especially in capitalist societies.
- Shakespeare frequently touched upon themes of the profane versus the sacred in plays like 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet.'
Cultural Significance
- In modern culture, profaning can be seen in media where sacred symbols are used for shock value, sparking debates about respect and artistic freedom.
- Many protests incorporate imagery and phrases that critique sacred institutions, often leading to conversations about the boundaries of expression.
Psychology
- Psychologically, the act of profaning can evoke strong emotional responses, as it can challenge personal beliefs and values.
- Studies suggest that when individuals perceive something sacred being profaned, they may experience feelings similar to loss or betrayal.
Origin of 'profaned'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'profaned' comes from the Latin 'profanus,' meaning 'before the temple,' indicating something not belonging to the sacred.
- Originally, it was used to describe actions taken outside of or in opposition to sacred spaces, like temples.
The term 'profaned' originates from the Latin word 'profanus', which means 'outside the temple'. It is a combination of 'pro', meaning 'outside', and 'fanum', meaning 'temple'. Historically, 'profane' was used to describe anything that was outside the bounds of sacred space, hence the later development to indicate disrespect or irreverence towards anything deemed holy or sacred. Its usage has evolved over centuries to encompass not just physical spaces but also abstract concepts. Starting from the 14th century, the word began to take on a broader meaning, adapting to cultural contexts where the sanctity of tradition, belief, or moral values may be threatened. As secularism grew, the term became applicable to various forms of disregard in modern contexts, emphasizing not just the violation of religious norms but also the broader implications of dishonoring significant principles.