Disconsecrate, /dɪskɒnsɪkreɪt/, is a verb that means to formally deconsecrate or remove the sacred status from something that was once considered holy. The word's spelling can be broken down into its components - dis, meaning "not" or "opposite of", and consecrate, meaning "to make holy or sacred". The "s" in dis- is silent, while the stress falls on the second syllable -kons-. The word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but can be found in religious contexts.
Disconsecrate is a verb that refers to the act of revoke or officially revoke the sacred status or consecration of something, usually in a religious or ceremonial context. It involves the removal of a previously bestowed sacred or holy character or dedication, usually through a formal ritual or declaration.
When a consecrated object or place is disconsecrated, it is no longer considered sacred or venerated according to the religious beliefs or customs of a particular faith or community. This action entails a deliberate and intentional annulment of the previous consecration, rendering the object or place ordinary and devoid of the previously ascribed spiritual or divine significance.
The process of disconsecration is often undertaken when there is a significant change in religious doctrine or when a place or object is no longer serving its original intended sacred purpose. This can occur, for example, when a place of worship ceases to be used for religious purposes or when a religious artifact is deemed no longer relevant or appropriate.
Disconsecrating something is a solemn and deliberate act, as it involves altering the religious or spiritual significance attached to the object or place. The process may vary depending on the religious tradition or organization involved, but it typically involves specific rituals, prayers, or declarations that formally revoke the previous consecration and restore the object or place to a secular or non-sacred state.
The word "disconsecrate" is derived from the Latin word "dis" which means "apart" or "negation", and the word "consecrare" which means "to make sacred" or "to set apart". The Latin word "consecrare" is a combination of "con-" meaning "together" and "sacrum" meaning "sacred". Over time, these Latin roots were combined to form the word "disconsecrate", which means to revoke or remove the sacred or consecrated status of something.