desecration

American

[des-i-krey-shuhn] / dɛs ɪˈkreɪ ʃən /

noun

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.
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 Word Forms

nondesecration noun

Etymology

Origin of desecration

desecr(ate) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

Desecration is a type of behavior that disrespects the sacredness or holiness of something. Words and actions that are offensive to a religion could be considered acts of desecration. Swearing in church is a type of desecration. Destroying a tombstone is a type of desecration. Depending on the religion, taking God's name in vain could be considered desecration. This word means something close to blasphemy or sacrilege. Sometimes, desecration is used in non-religious contexts, when an idea people care about is treated disrespectfully.

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Vocabulary lists containing desecration

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So going back nearly 60 years, the late Mr. Flint has been left to quietly suffer the indignities of desecration and abandonment, but for temporary intervention.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Certain hardline sections of the ultra-Orthodox community disagree with autopsies, saying any interference with a dead body is a desecration according to the Torah.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Indigenous residents protest the potential desecration of their ancestral land.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

But Roberts’ opinion is a severe distortion of Jackson’s legacy—and, indeed, it is no overstatement to say that it is a desecration of Jackson’s memory and his heroic service as Nuremberg prosecutor.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2025

“I am willing to be patient in all things that are reasonable; but in this—this desecration of the grave—of one who——” He fairly choked with indignation.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023