profanatory
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characterized by profanation; showing disrespect or contempt for something sacred: Describes actions, language, or behavior that violate or show irreverence towards things considered holy or sacred.
- Tending to desecrate: Having the quality of degrading or debasing something revered.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The vandals' profanatory acts shocked the community. (Their actions showed disrespect for the sacred place.)
- He was criticized for his profanatory comments about religious traditions. (His remarks tended to desecrate those traditions.)
- The use of the hymn in the commercial was seen as profanatory. (This use violated the sacred nature of the music.)
Advanced Usage
- In a formal or literary context: Often used in academic, religious, or legal discussions to describe serious violations of sanctity.
- The scholar wrote about the profanatory nature of the graffiti found in the ancient temple.
- As a descriptive term for intent: Can describe not just an action, but a tendency or quality of being disrespectful towards the sacred.
- The play was accused of having a profanatory tone towards established rituals.
Variants and Related Words
- Profane (verb/adjective): To treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt; or, characterizing something as not sacred.
- It is wrong to profane the sanctity of the altar. (verb)
- He used profane language. (adjective)
- Profanation (noun): The act of profaning; desecration.
- The profanation of the cemetery was a terrible crime.
Synonyms
- Desecrating: Treating a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect.
- Sacrilegious: Involving or committing sacrilege (the violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred).
- Irreverent: Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.
Antonyms
- Reverent: Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
- Pious: Devoutly religious.
- Sacrosanct: Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.
Adjective
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profaning or tending to desecrate
