# desecration

/dɛsəˈkɹeɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɛsɪkɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/desecration
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the act of damaging or destroying something holy or sacred. It can also mean treating a place or object with great disrespect.

For teachers: the act of damaging, destroying, or treating something sacred or holy with contempt. Often used in legal or religious contexts to describe the violation of a grave or a place of worship.

## Examples

- The desecration of the ancient temple was a crime.
- The community was shocked by the desecration of the local cemetery, where several headstones were deliberately broken.
- While the physical damage was eventually repaired, the desecration of the historical site left a lasting scar on the cultural identity of the region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.