noun

profanation

prah-fuh-NAY-shun/prˌɔfʌnˈeɪʃʌn/

The act of treating something sacred with disrespect.

Trampling the sacred cloth beside the altar is an act of profanation.

A person carelessly trampling and muddying a small sacred ceremonial cloth fallen beside an altar, feet only and symbolic candles; clear disrespectful treatment, no identifiable religion or desecration gore.

Etymology

proLatinbefore, in front of

+fanLatintemple

+ationLatinaction or process

The image “in front of the temple” underlies the sense “not consecrated.” Profanation names the act of rendering something holy unholy by treating it with contempt or irreverence.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain269:49

reads the crucifying of 60 women how stupid how tactless chrom's Goose flesh will rise with horror at the news profanation of the Sacred emblem that is what Christendom Will shout

1800s Philosophy: Mark Twain's Anti-Imperialist Writings (Audiobook)

More examples

Worshippers condemn the vandalism of their shrine as profanation.
Using a sacred vessel as a trash can is profanation.
The community gathers to pray after the profanation of its sanctuary.

Forms

profanation · profanations

profane verb — To treat sacred things with disrespect.

Similar words

desecration: Often suggests physical damage or defilement of sacred things.
sacrilege: Emphasizes violating religious rules or misusing sacred objects.