profane

¹pro·fane

verb \prō-ˈfān, prə-\

pro·fanedpro·fan·ing

Definition of PROFANE

transitive verb

1

: to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt : desecrate

2

: to debase by a wrong, unworthy, or vulgar use

— pro·fan·er noun

Examples of PROFANE

1. <the once-lovely landscape had been profaned by ugly factories>
2. <profaned his considerable acting talents by appearing in some wretched movies>

Origin of PROFANE

Middle English prophanen, from Anglo-French prophaner, from Latin profanare, from profanus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROFANE

Synonyms: abase, bastardize, canker, cheapen, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, deteriorate, lessen, pervert, poison, debase, prostitute, subvert, vitiate, warp

Antonyms: elevate, ennoble, uplift

Related Words: befoul, begrime, contaminate, defile, dilute, dirty, pollute, taint, thin, water down, weaken; descend; disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, take down; blemish, damage, deface, destroy, flaw, harm, hurt, impair, mar, ruin, spoil, stain, tarnish, wreck; depreciate, downgrade

Near Antonyms: dignify, exalt, honor; ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, improve, meliorate, perfect; clarify, clean, cleanse, purify, refine, restore; respect

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