desecrate

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈde-si-ˌkrāt How to pronounce desecrate (audio)
desecrated; desecrating

transitive verb

1
: to violate the sanctity of : profane
desecrate a shrine
a cemetery desecrated by vandals
2
: to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously
… the kind of shore development … that has desecrated so many waterfronts …John Fischer
desecrater noun
or desecrator

Examples of desecrate in a Sentence

The vandals were accused of desecrating graves. vandals desecrated the cemetery last night by covering the tombstones with graffiti
Recent Examples on the Web Two activists from the radical environmental group Just Stop Oil desecrated the ancient monument with orange powder paint. Andrew Follett, National Review, 19 June 2024 Centuries old churches, cultural sites, even cemeteries are being desecrated and destroyed. Harry Mazadoorian, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2024 The First Amendment gives us the right to dissent, not to desecrate (or defecate in) our noble dome of democracy. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2024 Through its four-season run, The O.C. managed to celebrate (or desecrate) every single holiday or occasion imaginable. Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for desecrate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'desecrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

de- + -secrate (as in consecrate)

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desecrate was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near desecrate

Cite this Entry

“Desecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desecrate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

desecrate

verb
des·​e·​crate ˈdes-i-ˌkrāt How to pronounce desecrate (audio)
desecrated; desecrating
: to treat a sacred place or sacred object shamefully or with great disrespect
desecrater noun
or desecrator
desecration
ˌdes-i-ˈkrā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on desecrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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