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

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo disrespect or damage something that people consider holy or sacred.

Common pairings

desecrate a grave desecrate a temple desecrate a flag

Word forms

more desecrate comparative, desecrated past tense, desecrates singular, most desecrate superlative

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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

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unhallow corrupt profanate profane profanize pollute sully tarnish violate

Antonyms

consecrate

Related words

bad break holy religious Christian violence dirty moral

Rhymes for desecrate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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.

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