desecrate

[ des-i-kreyt ]

verb (used with object)

, des·e·crat·ed, des·e·crat·ing.

1. to divest of sacred or hallowed character or office.
2. to divert from a sacred to a profane use or purpose.
3. to treat with sacrilege; profane.

   Synonyms: outrage, pollute, dishonor, violate, defile

desecrate

/ ˈdɛsɪˌkreɪt /

verb

1. to violate or outrage the sacred character of (an object or place) by destructive, blasphemous, or sacrilegious action
2. to remove the consecration from (a person, object, building, etc); deconsecrate

Derived Forms

• ˈdeseˌcrator, noun
• ˌdeseˈcration, noun

Other Words From

• des·e·crat·er des·e·cra·tor noun
• des·e·cra·tion [des-i-, krey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• un·des·e·crat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate¹

First recorded in 1665–75; de- + -secrate, modeled on consecrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate¹

C17: from de- + consecrate

Example Sentences

Trump desecrating the hallowed ground where the bodies of recently fallen soldiers lay has generated disgust in most Americans.

From Salon

“That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way,” Harris said.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts, 52, can’t see how such a massive development wouldn’t desecrate what is to his people a sacred and historically rich locale.

From Los Angeles Times

Muslim residents at the time also claimed they saw two men desecrating the Quran.

From Seattle Times

“You desecrated the statue of Mrs. Hobart, and you’re going to pay for it.”

From Literature

Related Words

• defile
• dishonor
• pervert
• pillage
• profane
• ravage