profanations
|pro-fa-na-tion|
/prəˌfeɪˈneɪʃən/
(profanation)
disrespecting the sacred
Etymology
'profanation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'profanatio', where 'pro-' meant 'before/outside' and 'fanum' meant 'temple'.
'profanation' changed from the Latin noun 'profanatio' into Old French 'profanation' and Middle English forms such as 'profanacioun', eventually becoming the modern English word 'profanation'.
Initially, it meant 'the act of violating or defiling a temple or sacred place', but over time it evolved into its current broader meaning of 'treating anything sacred or respected with disrespect or violating something pure'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of treating something sacred with disrespect or contempt; desecration.
The ancient temple suffered several profanations during the conflict.
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Noun 2
a violation or spoiling of something regarded as pure, holy, or respected (used figuratively).
Many saw the commercialization of the ceremony as profanations of a cherished tradition.
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Last updated: 2025/12/23 00:07