/ prəˈfænəti; NAmE ; NAmE also proʊˈf-/ noun ( pl. -ies ) ( formal )
1.
[ U ] behaviour that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] swear words, or religious words used in a way that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things :
He uttered a stream of profanities.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from late Latin profanitas , from Latin profanus not sacred, from pro- (from Latin pro before) + fanum temple.