verb
desecrate
DEHS-ih-krayt
Desecrate (verb) means to treat something sacred with disrespect or damage it in a way that violates its holiness. Example: “Vandals desecrated the ancient tombs with spray paint.”
verb
1
To treat something sacred with disrespect or damage it in a way that violates its holiness.
"Vandals desecrated the ancient tombs with spray paint."
"The soldiers were accused of desecrating the temple during the raid."
How to use desecrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo disrespect or damage something that people consider holy or sacred.
Common pairings
desecrate a grave
desecrate a temple
desecrate a flag
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- desecrates
- Past tense
- desecrated
- Comparative
- more desecrate
- Superlative
- most desecrate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Vandals _____ the ancient tombs with spray paint.
Etymology
Built from de- (reversing or undoing) plus the stem of "consecrate" (to make sacred) — literally "to un-sanctify."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for desecrate
See all rhymes for desecrate →Frequently asked questions
What does “desecrate” mean?
The word “desecrate” means to treat something sacred with disrespect or damage it in a way that violates its holiness. In plain terms, to disrespect or damage something that people consider holy or sacred.
How do you pronounce “desecrate”?
“Desecrate” is pronounced DEHS-ih-krayt (/ˈdɛs.ɪ.kɹeɪ̯t/ in IPA).
How do you use “desecrate” in a sentence?
Here is “desecrate” used in a sentence: “Vandals desecrated the ancient tombs with spray paint.”
What is another word for “desecrate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “desecrate” include unhallow, corrupt, profanate, profane, profanize and pollute.
What is the opposite of “desecrate”?
The opposite of “desecrate” — its antonyms — is consecrate.
What part of speech is “desecrate”?
“Desecrate” is a verb.
