adj. & v.
--adj.
1. not belonging to what is sacred or biblical; secular.
2 irreverent, blasphemous.
3 (of a rite etc.) heathen.
4 not initiated into religious rites or any esoteric knowledge.
--v.tr.
1. treat (a sacred thing) with irreverence or disregard.
2 violate or pollute (what is entitled to respect).
Derivatives:
profanation n. profanely adv. profaneness n. profaner n.
Etymology: ME prophane f. OF prophane or med.L prophanus f. L profanus before (i.e. outside) the temple, not sacred (as PRO-(1), fanum temple)