desecration

[ des-i-krey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of treating something sacred or solemn in a sacrilegious or disrespectful way:

   Many locals opposed the use of their former church building as a courthouse, feeling that conducting civil matters there would be a desecration of a holy place.

2. the act of ruining or violating something revered or greatly valued:

   Greedy corporations are contributing to the demise of civilization and the desecration of the ecosystem.

Other Words From

• non·des·e·cra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desecration¹

desecr(ate) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

We are deep in darkness, before a four-year storm that, according to those Trump has already appointed to his staff, will be replete with violence against immigrants, overwhelming tariffs, profuse and criminal lies, the further fracturing of our country, a desecration of the Constitution and many other forms of villainy — all of which will be conveniently blamed on Joe Biden and the Democrats in an unending stream of calumnious statements backed up by Elon Musk on his de facto state media operation.

From Salon

While “El Licenciado” was a close associate of El Chapo, he feuded with los chapitos, who are widely blamed here for the desecration of the ancestral tomb.

From Los Angeles Times

The issue has also turned into a political slugfest after Naidu blamed his rival and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the "desecration".

From BBC

Cases of damage and desecration to Jewish property rose by 246% from 24 in the first half of 2023 to 83 between January and June 2024.

From BBC

Gibson said it’s disturbing to see hikers post photos of tribal artifacts they brought home from the Owyhees, or people driving dirt bikes in sacred places, calling it a “desecration.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blasphemy