I. ˈdesə̇ˌkrāt, -sēˌ-, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: de- + -secrate (as in consecrate, v.)
1.
a. : to violate the sanctity of by diverting from sacred purpose, by contaminating, or by defiling
they desecrated the shrine outright — bargaining with the Moslem merchants — Time
it would desecrate the Lincoln Memorial to have an obviously false voice speak from the statue there — New York Times Magazine
the quivering host whose house has been profaned and whose religion desecrated — W.L.Sullivan
b. : to divest of sacred character or treat as unhallowed
many cemeteries were desecrated
2. archaic : to dedicate (someone or something) to false gods : condemn to an evil fate
3. : to treat (an object of veneration, reverent devotion, or admiration) irreverently or contemptuously often in a way to provoke outrage on the part of others
[his] great memory … has been desecrated. … — Margery Allingham
Americans love the scenic outdoors, and they do not want to see it desecrated — R.L.Neuberger
4. : to make desolate
churned up lawns and drives, and desecrated houses with their broken windows — S.P.B.Mais
II. -_krə̇t, -krāt adjective
Etymology: de- + -secrate (as in consecrate, adjective)
: desecrated