/ prəˈfeɪn; NAmE / adjective , verb
■ adjective
1.
( formal ) having or showing a lack of respect for God or holy things :
profane language
2.
( technical ) not connected with religion or holy things
SYN secular :
songs of sacred and profane love
■ verb
[ vn ] ( formal ) to treat sth holy with a lack of respect
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense heathen ): from Old French prophane , from Latin profanus outside the temple, not sacred, from pro- (from Latin pro before) + fanum temple.