# desecrate

## Definition

The term “desecrate” means to damage or contaminate a sacred place or object in such a way that it is unacceptable for use in worship.

* Often desecrating something involves showing great disrespect for it.
* For example, pagan kings desecrated special dishes from God's temple by using them for parties at their palace.
* Bones from dead people were used by enemies to desecrate the altar in God's temple.
* This term could be translated as, “cause to be unholy” or “dishonor by making impure” or “disrespectfully profane” or “cause to be impure.”