Words / C1

DES-ikr-ayt/ˈdesɪkreɪt/

To desecrate is to damage or treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect: desecrate a file, desecrate a memorial. Sacred (already in the dictionary) is the adjective; treating the ethics minute as décor is still a breach.

Meaning

To damage or treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect (from sacred, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “To treat the ethics minute as décor is to desecrate the file; sign it.”
• “Violate is the close twin. Profane is the formal twin. Décor is a mood board. A signature and a date are a file. Sign the minute; then dress the foyer if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Violate something sacred. Adjective: sacred (already in the dictionary). Décor ≠ a signed minute.

Near in meaning

violate, profane, defile

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