Desecrate

To Desecrate means to treat a sacred place or object with violent disrespect; to profane or violate its holiness. This act often involves defilement, defacing, or the destruction of something held sacred or revered. It is a deliberate act intended to diminish or invalidate the significance of a religious site, artifact, or belief. The term suggests an act of sacrilege, an intentional affront to something considered holy or worthy of respect.

Desecrate meaning with examples

• The vandals desecrated the ancient temple by spray-painting graffiti and smashing religious statues. Their actions were viewed as a profound insult to the local community and a violation of their cultural heritage, causing widespread outrage.
• During the protest, demonstrators desecrated the war memorial, triggering immediate criticism. The act was condemned as disrespectful and inappropriate by many, overshadowing the intended message of the protest.
• Following a period of conflict, looters desecrated the church, stealing sacred relics and vandalizing its interior. This act of desecration left the congregation deeply wounded and heartbroken.
• The explorer claimed to have discovered a lost tomb, but the archeologists found that it was desecrated by grave robbers centuries prior. Sadly, this act of desecration ruined any possible historical insight.
• In a symbolic act of defiance, the rebels desecrated the national flag, sparking a surge of nationalist anger and further escalating the conflict.