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desecrate

verb

/ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of desecrate

To violate the sanctity, holiness, or sacredness of something, often by defiling, damaging, or treating it with irreverence.
"The vandals were caught trying to desecrate the public statue with graffiti."

Detailed meaning of desecrate

It implies a willful disregard for the reverence or significance that a particular object, place, symbol, or tradition holds for a group of people or a religious or cultural community. 'Desecrate' is commonly used to describe actions that profane religious sites, despoil sacred artifacts, or show blatant disrespect towards customs and beliefs. This term carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting the intention to degrade or defile something that is held in high esteem, and it often incurs condemnation and outrage from those who hold the desecrated entity in reverence.

Example sentences containing desecrate

1. Vandals attempted to desecrate the ancient temple, but were thwarted by vigilant guards.
2. It's heartbreaking to see people desecrate nature by littering in such a pristine place.
3. The graffiti on the church walls was a blatant attempt to desecrate its spiritual significance.
4. In times of war, some soldiers sadly desecrate historical landmarks out of ignorance.
5. Artists should express themselves creatively without intending to desecrate cultural symbols.
6. The hooligans had no respect for the cemetery and attempted to desecrate graves.

History and etymology of desecrate

The verb 'desecrate' has an etymology rooted in Latin and conveys the violation of something sacred. It is derived from the Latin word 'desecrare,' which is formed from 'de,' meaning 'down from,' and 'sacrare,' meaning 'to make sacred.' Therefore, 'desecrare' originally meant 'to de-sacralize' or 'to make unholy.' In English, 'desecrate' is used to describe the act of violating the sanctity, holiness, or sacredness of something, often by defiling, damaging, or treating it with irreverence. The etymology of 'desecrate' underscores its historical association with the concept of de-sanctifying or making something unholy, highlighting the transgression of sacred boundaries and the resulting irreverence or disrespect.

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Further usage examples of desecrate

1. Online trolls often use offensive language to desecrate meaningful discussions.
2. The act of desecrating a flag is seen as a form of protest by some, but deeply offensive by others.
3. Vandals sought to desecrate the peaceful park with acts of destruction and vandalism.
4. It's essential to educate people about the consequences of actions that desecrate our environment.
5. The act of desecrating a sacred text can lead to profound social and religious tensions.
6. It is illegal to desecrate national monuments or historical sites.
7. The protesters were careful not to desecrate the church during the demonstration.
8. The company must ensure that its mining operations do not desecrate the sacred land of the indigenous people.
9. Some people believe that building on ancient burial grounds can desecrate the memory of the deceased.
10. It's disrespectful to desecrate someone’s grave or tombstone.
11. The archaeologists took extra precautions not to desecrate the ancient temple during the excavation.
12. The tribe is concerned that the new highway will desecrate their ancestral land.
13. People who desecrate places of worship often face severe legal consequences.
14. The community is asking the tourists to respect local customs and not desecrate their sacred sites.
15. The local government passed a law that makes it illegal to desecrate historical artifacts.
16. The artist claimed that his intention was not to desecrate any religious symbols in his work.
17. Environmentalists argue that excessive logging and deforestation desecrate natural habitats.
18. The citizens were outraged by the developer's plans to desecrate the city park with a new shopping mall.
19. It is considered highly disrespectful to desecrate a country’s flag.
20. The group planned to desecrate the monument as an act of protest.
21. The soldiers were instructed to avoid any action that would desecrate the cultural heritage of the region.
22. The author argues that excessive commercialization can desecrate the true spirit of traditional festivals.
23. It’s important to educate the younger generation about the consequences of actions that desecrate communal values.
24. The mayor pledged to implement stricter regulations to protect and prevent efforts to desecrate historical landmarks in the city.