formal
1
: having or showing disrespect for religious things
profane language
2
: relating to ordinary life : not religious or spiritual : secular
sacred and profane customs
profanes; profaned; profaning
formal + literary
: to treat (a holy place or object) with great disrespect
Vandals profaned [=desecrated] the temple.
Cite this Entry
“Profane.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/profane. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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