Vocabulary in context
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Desecrate
To treat something sacred with disrespect; to profane or violate its sacred character.
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Imagine This
A father sees his naughty boy fooling around with a religious artifact, 'Don't treat that with disrespect!' The boy replies, 'But that's only a crate!'
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Sounds Like
That's a crate
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Looks Like
de-sacr-ate (visual hint: de- + sacred)
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Remember This
Crate: a large wooden shipping case.
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Other Forms
desecrationnoun
desecratingadjective
desecratornoun
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Connect With
profane, defile, dishonor; antonyms: consecrate, sanctify
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Note
Deselect confusion with similar-sounding words. Use desecrate for acts that violate sacred things; use 'consecrate' or 'bless' for making something sacred. Common collocations include the desecration of churches, graves, relics.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Vandals desecrated the temple by spray-painting sacred symbols.
- The desecration of graves is a serious offense and widely condemned.
Synonyms
defileprofanedishonorviolatepollute
Antonyms
consecratesanctifybless
Etymology
From Latin desecrare, de- (removal or negation) + sacer (sacred); via Old French or directly into English, meaning to deprive of sacred character.
Mnemonic
De-SACRED-ATE: remember that to desecrate is to take away the sacredness of something.
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Refute
verbTo prove a statement or theory false or incorrect; to deny the validity of something through evidence or logical argument.
Profundity
nounThe depth of thought, feeling, or significance; the quality of being deeply insightful or meaningful.
Inane
adjectiveLacking sense or meaning; silly, foolish, or pointless.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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