ˈsakrəlij noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin sacrilegium, from sacrilegus one that steals that which is sacred, from sacri- (from sacr-, sacer sacred) + -legus (from legere to gather, steal) — more at sacred , legend
1. : the crime of stealing, misusing, violating, or desecrating that which is sacred, holy, or dedicated to sacred uses
2. : the unworthy or irreverent use of sacred persons, places, or things : the profanation of that which is dedicated to God or to sacred purposes
Synonyms: see profanation