desecrate

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈde-si-ˌkrāt 

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

ˈde-si-ˌkrā-tər 

Synonyms

• defile
• profane
• violate

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

This week, Maduro desecrated that people’s lore like a dog hiking his hind leg over a Caracas fire hydrant. —Tim Padgett, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024

But when Vittoria is found dead and desecrated, Emilia’s need for answers and vengeance eclipses all else. —Alyssa Davis, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024

Mild spoilers follow: The scene in question involves the foul-mouthed Deadpool desecrating the grave of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine following the X-Men character’s death in the 2017 film Logan. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 30 July 2024

Roberts, 52, can’t see how such a massive development wouldn’t desecrate what is to his people a sacred and historically rich locale. —Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

de- + -secrate (as in consecrate)

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

desecrate

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈdes-i-ˌkrāt 

desecrated; desecrating

: to treat a sacred place or sacred object shamefully or with great disrespect

desecrater noun

or desecrator

-ˌkrāt-ər 

desecration

ˌdes-i-ˈkrā-shən

noun