I. prō-ˈfān, prə- transitive verb
( pro·faned ; pro·fan·ing )
Etymology: Middle English prophanen, from Anglo-French prophaner, from Latin profanare, from profanus
Date: 14th century
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
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English prophane, from Middle French, from Latin profanus, from pro- before + fanum temple — more at pro- , feast
Date: 15th century
1. : not concerned with religion or religious purposes : secular
2. : not holy because unconsecrated, impure, or defiled : unsanctified
3.
a. : serving to debase or defile what is holy : irreverent
b. : obscene , vulgar
4.
a. : not being among the initiated
b. : not possessing esoteric or expert knowledge
• pro·fane·ly adverb
• pro·fane·ness -ˈfān-nəs noun