Sacrilegious

Sacrilegious describes an act or behavior that violates what is considered sacred, holy, or inviolable. It often pertains to disrespecting religious objects, places, practices, or figures. The act implies a lack of reverence and can range from minor offenses like casual use of profanity in a sacred space to more serious transgressions like desecrating religious artifacts. It also extends to disrespecting values or traditions considered fundamentally important by a community or group, be they religious, cultural, or secular, like acts considered to betray the ideals of a nation.

Sacrilegious meaning with examples

• The comedian's jokes, which mocked religious figures and doctrines, were deemed sacrilegious by many in the audience, causing widespread offense. They believed the humor crossed a line and disrespected deeply held beliefs. Some patrons walked out in protest, while others loudly voiced their disapproval, highlighting the sensitive nature of the topic.
• Graffiti scrawled on the walls of the ancient cathedral was considered a sacrilegious act of vandalism. The defacement of such a historical and religious landmark was seen as a deeply disrespectful act towards the generations who built it. Cleaning the damage was a massive undertaking that required specialized techniques.
• During the memorial service, the speaker's insensitive remarks about the deceased felt sacrilegious to the grieving family. They felt that her words trivialized the loss and mocked the memory of their loved one. The awkward and offensive speech led to a hushed, uncomfortable silence, a stark contrast to the solemn occasion.
• The journalist’s investigative report, which exposed corruption within the church, was initially condemned as sacrilegious by some, who sought to protect the institution’s image. However, the public's desire for transparency and the overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing ultimately justified the exposé, leading to reforms.
• Eating non-kosher food in a synagogue or temple would be considered sacrilegious by observant members of the Jewish faith. The violation of dietary rules within a sacred space is a significant breach of religious protocol and a direct affront to their customs and beliefs, highlighting the importance of respecting established laws.