desecrate

1 of 2

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈde-si-ˌkrāt 

desecrated; desecrating

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 

desecrater

2 of 2

noun

des·​e·​crat·​er

variants or desecrator

-ˌkrātə(r) 

plural -s

: one that desecrates

Synonyms of desecrate

Verb

• violate

Examples of desecrate in a Sentence

Verb

The vandals were accused of desecrating graves.

vandals desecrated the cemetery last night by covering the tombstones with graffiti

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

During that time, our home, and the last of our things in it, could continue to be desecrated. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

The mission also alleges that evidence was planted and bodies were desecrated. —Patrick Peralta, The Conversation, 28 May 2026

Celebrate the city/land, don't desecrate it. —ABC News, 18 May 2026

In a town in northern Peru, a teenager addicted to video games begins to desecrate the sacred ruins of his ancestors in search of money to continue playing. —Roberto Prieto, Variety, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

de- + -secrate (as in consecrate)

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for desecrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

desecrate

verb

des·​e·​crate ˈdes-i-ˌkrāt 

desecrated; desecrating

: to treat a sacred place or sacred object shamefully or with great disrespect

desecrater noun

or desecrator

-ˌkrāt-ər 

desecration

ˌdes-i-ˈkrā-shən

noun