Profanation can be spelled as /prəˌfænˈeɪʃən/. The word is a noun and refers to the act of treating something sacred with disrespect or irreverence, or of defiling or desecrating something considered holy or sacred. It is made up of the prefix "pro", meaning "before" or "front", and "fanum", meaning "a temple". The addition of the suffix "-ation" indicates the act of doing something. This makes "profanation" literally mean "the act of doing something before a temple", emphasizing the idea of disrespect towards religion.
Profanation is a noun that refers to the act of treating something sacred or holy with disrespect, irreverence, or contempt. It involves desecrating or defiling something that is considered sacred or held in high regard. The term can apply to religious objects, rituals, spaces, or even individuals, depending on the context.
Profanation often involves actions that go against religious or cultural beliefs, customs, or practices, causing offense or outrage among those who hold such beliefs. This act of disrespect may include blasphemy, sacrilege, or any form of verbal or physical abuse towards religious relics or symbols. Profanation can manifest in various forms, such as vandalizing religious sites, mocking religious figures, or engaging in actions that intentionally flaunt certain taboos.
Profanation is often seen as a serious offense in many religious or cultural communities, and it can carry severe consequences, such as excommunication or legal penalties in some instances. The term also carries a sense of violating the sanctity or purity associated with the sacred. It reflects a disregard for the beliefs, traditions, and values of a particular religion or society.
Overall, profanation refers to the act of defiling or disrespecting something sacred, and it is universally understood as a transgression against religious or cultural norms.
The act of treating sacred things with irreverence or disrespect; desecration.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "profanation" originated from the Latin word "profanatio", which is derived from the verb "profanare". In Latin, "profanus" means "unholy" or "not sacred", and the suffix "-tion" is added to form a noun indicating the act or process of making something unholy or desecrating sacred things.
Thus, "profanation" refers to the act of treating something sacred or holy with disrespect or irreverence, violating its sanctity or defiling it.