Definition

1. Verb:
   • To treat a sacred place or object with violent disrespect: To damage, defile, or violate the holiness of something considered sacred or holy.
   • To remove the sacred or consecrated status from: To profane something that was once dedicated to a religious purpose.

Usage

• The verb "desecrate" is transitive and requires a direct object (e.g., a place, an object, a memory).
• It is typically used in contexts involving religion, sacred sites, graves, or revered symbols.
• It carries a very strong negative connotation, implying a serious and offensive act.

Examples

• Vandals desecrated the ancient temple by spray-painting graffiti on its walls.
• It is a crime to desecrate a national flag or a war memorial.
• The archaeologist was accused of desecrating the burial site by removing artifacts.

Advanced Usage

• "to desecrate the memory of": To act in a way that shows profound disrespect for someone who has died or for a past event.
  • Building a commercial complex on the battlefield would desecrate the memory of the soldiers who fell there.

Variants and Related Words

• Desecration (n): The act of desecrating something.
  • The desecration of the cemetery shocked the local community.
• Desecrator (n): A person who desecrates something.

Synonyms

• Profane: To treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt.
• Defile: To make unclean or impure, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense.
• Violate: To break or fail to comply with (a rule or formal agreement); to treat with disrespect.
• Debase: To reduce (something) in quality or value; to degrade. (Used more broadly, but can apply in this context.)

Antonyms

• Consecrate: To make or declare something sacred.
• Sanctify: To set apart as or declare holy; consecrate.
• Revere: To feel deep respect or admiration for (something).
• Venerate: To regard with great respect; to revere.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• While there are no common idioms using "desecrate" as the core verb, the concept is central to phrases like:
  • "an act of desecration": Refers to a specific instance of desecrating.
  • "desecrate hallowed ground": A common collocation emphasizing the violation of deeply sacred land (e.g., a cemetery, a memorial).

Verb

1. remove the consecration from a person or an object
2. violate the sacred character of a place or language
   • desecrate a cemetery
   • violate the sanctity of the church
   • profane the name of God