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 said anyone who does “anything to desecrate” an American flag should be thrown in jail for a year.

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

They are returning from a pogrom with their spoils, to publicly desecrate a captured corpse.

From Slate

“The court acknowledges that foreign-owned Resolution Copper will completely and irreversibly desecrate Oak Flat, but they’re giving them the green light anyways.”

From Seattle Times

DunKley said Harvard’s refusal to take full responsibility has done more to desecrate the donation process than those who allegedly stole body parts.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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