desecrate

[ˈdɛsɪkreɪt]

desecrate Definition

to damage or show no respect towards something holy or very much respected.

Using desecrate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "desecrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The vandals desecrated the cemetery by knocking over tombstones.

• Example

  The protesters desecrated the national flag by burning it.

• Example

  The church was desecrated by the invading army.

• Example

  It is a crime to desecrate a place of worship.

desecrate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for desecrate

• defile
• violate
• profane
• blaspheme
• debase

Antonyms for desecrate

• consecrate
• sanctify

Phrases with desecrate

• desecrate the memory of someone

  to insult or dishonor the memory of someone who has died

  Example

  It is disrespectful to desecrate the memory of the deceased by speaking ill of them.

• desecrate the Sabbath

  to violate the sanctity of the Sabbath day by engaging in secular activities

  Example

  Some religious groups believe that working on the Sabbath is a way to desecrate it.

• desecrate a grave

  to damage or vandalize a grave or burial site

  Example

  It is a criminal offense to desecrate a grave, and those found guilty can face severe punishment.

Origins of desecrate

from Latin 'desecrare', meaning 'to treat as not sacred'

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Summary: desecrate in Brief

'Desecrate' [ˈdɛsɪkreɪt] means to damage or show no respect towards something holy or highly respected. It can refer to physical damage, such as knocking over tombstones, or symbolic damage, such as burning a flag. The phrase 'desecrate the memory of someone' refers to insulting or dishonoring the memory of someone who has died.