noun

profanity

pruh-FAN-uh-tee/prəˈfænəti/

Expression that shows irreverent disrespect for sacred things.

The priest objects to the profanity in jokes about God.

A white woman angrily shouting with a jagged EMPTY speech bubble while a nearby Black male coworker recoils; no swear words, no symbols or letters.

Etymology

proLatinbefore, in front of

+fanLatintemple

+ityLatinstate or quality

“Before the temple” may suggest someone not admitted to sacred space. The resulting idea of irreverence extended to foul language through the commandment against profaning God's name.

In context

Calvary Chapel Chino Valley10:37

a little more profanity and it's real loud and he's using some real bad words

1 Timothy 6:11-12 "Pursue Righteousness"

More examples

His casual use of God's name strikes her as profanity.
He fills the parody of the prayer with profanities.
The song's profanity offends listeners who consider the ceremony sacred.

Forms

profanity · profanities

profane adjective — Showing disrespect for what is sacred.

Similar words

blasphemy: More specifically insults God or challenges what religion holds sacred.
irreverence: Broader lack of respect, not necessarily directed at sacred things.