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View synonyms for

desecrate

[des-i-kreyt]

verb (used with object)

desecrated, desecrating 
  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: , , , ,


desecrate

/ ˈɛɪˌɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • desecrater noun
  • desecrator noun
  • desecration noun
  • undesecrated adjective
  • ˈˌٴǰ noun
  • ˌˈپDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate1

First recorded in 1665–75; de- + -secrate, modeled on consecrate
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desecrate1

C17: from de- + consecrate
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Offenders could face up to three months in prison and a £1,000 fine for desecrating the monument to Britain's wartime leader.

From

Tension was brewing between us, but I was terrified to address it and desecrate our sacred platonic bond as roommates.

From

"After the killing, you desecrated your husband's corpse. I do not know why you killed him."

From

A hospitalman at the former Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Mass., was charged with, among other things, desecrating the flag by blowing his nose on one.

From

The crypt was also damaged during another break in, also in 2019, and the church said at the time that several mummified remains - including the 400-year-old remains of a nun - were desecrated.

From

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Desdemonadesecration