desecrate

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈde-si-ˌkrāt How to pronounce desecrate (audio)
desecrated; desecrating
Synonyms of desecrate

transitive verb

1
: to violate the sanctity of : profane
desecrate a shrine
a cemetery desecrated by vandals
2
: to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously
… the kind of shore development … that has desecrated so many waterfronts …—John Fischer
desecrater noun
or desecrator
ˈde-si-ˌkrā-tər How to pronounce desecrate (audio)

Synonyms of desecrate

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Examples of desecrate in a Sentence

The vandals were accused of desecrating graves. vandals desecrated the cemetery last night by covering the tombstones with graffiti
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
French’s post provoked social media responses calling for violence against Indians and desecrating Hindu temples. — Arun Brahmbhatt, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 French's post led to a flurry of other posts on social media calling for violence against Indian communities, including desecrating Hindu temples and statues. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Then in January 2026, according to police, a potential family member reached out to police and said the mausoleum and grave of a relative at Riverview Cemetery were unlawfully desecrated in 2002. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 Without criminal consequences, operators who profit from desecrating the dead have nothing to fear. — Susana Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desecrate

Word History

Etymology

de- + -secrate (as in consecrate)

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desecrate was in 1675

Rhymes for desecrate

See All Rhymes for desecrate

Browse Nearby Words

deseasonalize
desecrate
desecrater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desecrate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

desecrate

verb
des·​e·​crate ˈdes-i-ˌkrāt How to pronounce desecrate (audio)
desecrated; desecrating
: to treat a sacred place or sacred object shamefully or with great disrespect
desecrater noun
or desecrator
-ˌkrāt-ər How to pronounce desecrate (audio)
desecration
ˌdes-i-ˈkrā-shən
noun
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