profanation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “profanation” mean?
The act of treating something sacred with disrespect or irreverence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of treating something sacred with disrespect or irreverence; desecration.
Any act that violates, debases, or makes common something considered holy, pure, or worthy of veneration; can extend metaphorically to the degradation of any principle held in high esteem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is essentially identical in both varieties. It is a low-frequency, formal word found in similar contexts (theological, literary, historical).
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotation of violation and disrespect toward the sacred.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both varieties, slightly more likely to be encountered in academic or religious writing.
Grammar
How to Use “profanation” in a Sentence
the profanation of [NOUN (sacred object/place/idea)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “profanation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vandals sought to profane the ancient altar.
- He did not mean to profane the memory of the deceased.
American English
- They were accused of trying to profane the sanctuary.
- The developer's plans would profane the historic burial ground.
adverb
British English
- He spoke profanely about the holy relics.
- The statue was treated profanely by the invaders.
American English
- They behaved profanely inside the temple.
- The document was profanely defaced.
adjective
British English
- The thieves displayed a profane disregard for the shrine.
- His profane jokes were ill-received at the ceremony.
American English
- The act was seen as profane and shocking.
- They removed the profane graffiti from the church wall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, history, cultural studies, and literature to discuss violations of sanctity.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be considered an unusually formal or learned choice.
Technical
Can appear in legal or historical texts regarding crimes against religion or cultural heritage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “profanation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “profanation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “profanation”
- Confusing it with 'profanity' (swear words). 'Profanation' is an act; 'profanity' is language or the quality of being profane.
- Using it for minor disrespect rather than a serious violation of something held sacred.
- Misspelling as 'proffanation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Blasphemy' specifically refers to speech or thought that shows disrespect for God or sacred things. 'Profanation' is broader, referring to any action that desecrates something sacred (like a place or object), not just words or ideas.
Yes, but it's metaphorical and retains its core sense of violating something considered inviolable or supremely worthy of respect (e.g., 'the profanation of justice', 'the profanation of a great artist's legacy').
'To profane' is the verb meaning 'to treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect'. 'Profanation' is the noun form naming the *act* or *instance* of profaning.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use 'desecration', 'vandalism of a sacred place', or simply 'disrespect' depending on the context.
The act of treating something sacred with disrespect or irreverence.
Profanation is usually formal, literary, academic, theological in register.
Profanation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɒfəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɑːfəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the word itself is often used in formal/philosophical contexts.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PROfane + ACTION = PROFANATION. It's the *action* of making something *profane*.
Conceptual Metaphor
SACRED IS CLEAN / PURE; PROFANATION IS POLLUTION / CONTAMINATION. PROFANATION IS A VIOLENT BREACH.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'profanation'?