desecrate — to damage or show disrespect to something holy or important
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to damage or show disrespect to something holy or important
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdesɪkreɪt/
Example Sentences
- The teenagers were arrested for trying to desecrate the war memorial with silly string.
- Many people believe that commercializing the sacred mountain would desecrate its spiritual value.
- The chef was horrified when someone desecrated his masterpiece cake by dipping french fries in it.
desecrate
VERB[/ˈdesɪkreɪt/]
to damage or show disrespect to something holy or important

Vandals desecrate the ancient temple, toppling sacred statues and spraying graffiti.

Don't desecrate what we consecrate and separate!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'desacrare', composed of the prefix 'de-' (meaning to remove or reverse) and 'sacrare' (meaning to make sacred or consecrate), which derives from 'sacer' meaning sacred or holy.
Breakdown
de- (remove, reverse) + sacr- (sacred, holy) + -ate (verb suffix) = desecrate (to remove the sacred quality from something)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teenagers were arrested for trying to desecrate the war memorial with silly string.”
“Many people believe that commercializing the sacred mountain would desecrate its spiritual value.”
“The chef was horrified when someone desecrated his masterpiece cake by dipping french fries in it.”
“Ancient burial sites should never be desecrated for archaeological purposes without proper respect.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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