sacrilege
The violation, desecration, or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
While originally referring strictly to religious objects or places, sacrilege is now often used metaphorically to describe any act of extreme disrespect toward something highly valued or revered.
Word relationships
- desecration: Desecration is the physical damage or defilement of a sacred place, while sacrilege can also include verbal disrespect or improper use of sacred ideas.
- profanity: Profanity is disrespectful language or behavior, whereas sacrilege is a direct violation of a sacred object or institution.
- consecration: Consecration is the act of making something sacred or dedicating it to a divine purpose.
- reverence: Reverence is deep respect and honor shown toward sacred things.
Commonly confused with
- sacrilegious: Sacrilegious is the adjective form of sacrilege; note the spelling difference (it does not contain the word 'religious').
Word family
- sacrilegious (adjective): Involving or committing sacrilege.
- sacrilegiously (adverb): In a sacrilegious manner.
Collocations
- commit a sacrilege
- pure sacrilege
- culinary sacrilege
- border on sacrilege
Example sentences
- "To the art historians, painting over the ancient mural was an act of pure sacrilege." A reaction to architectural destruction.
- "To many football purists, changing the team's historic logo was considered a sacrilege." A metaphorical use in sports.
Memory hook
Think of 'sacred' and 'ledger'. If you steal or deface the sacred ledger of a temple, you are committing a sacrilege. Stealing from the sacred.
When not to use
Do not use for simple disagreements or minor acts of disrespect; it must involve something that is considered holy, deeply traditional, or universally respected.
Fun facts
- The spelling of 'sacrilegious' is one of the most common spelling errors in the English language, frequently misspelled as 'sacreligious' due to false association with 'religion'.
Related words
Explore more words
blasphemy, sacrosanct, sacred, profane, desacralize, hallowed
Also appears in
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