profane
1pro·fane
verb \prō-ˈfān, prə-\pro·fanedpro·fan·ing
Definition of PROFANE
transitive verb
1
: to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt : desecrate
2
: to debase by a wrong, unworthy, or vulgar use
— pro·fan·er noun
See Examples of PROFANE
- <the once-lovely landscape had been profaned by ugly factories>
- <profaned his considerable acting talents by appearing in some wretched movies>
Origin of PROFANE
Middle English prophanen, from Anglo-French prophaner, from Latin profanare, from profanus
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PROFANE
Synonyms: abase, bastardize, canker, cheapen, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, deteriorate, lessen, pervert, poison, debase, prostitute, subvert, vitiate, warp
Related Words: befoul, begrime, contaminate, defile, dilute, dirty, pollute, taint, thin, water down, weaken; descend; disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, take down; blemish, damage, deface, destroy, flaw, harm, hurt, impair, mar, ruin, spoil, stain, tarnish, wreck; depreciate, downgrade
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