sacrilege

sac·ri·lege

noun \ˈsa-krə-lij\

Definition of SACRILEGE

1

: a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated to God

2

: gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing

— sac·ri·le·gious \ˌsa-krə-ˈli-jəs also -ˈlē-\ adjective

— sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb

— sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun

Examples of SACRILEGE

1. They accused him of committing a sacrilege.
2. They accused him of sacrilege.
3. an act of sacrilege against the church

Origin of SACRILEGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin sacrilegium, from sacrilegus one who robs sacred property, from sacr-, sacer + legere to gather, steal — more at legend

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SACRILEGE

Synonyms: defilement, desecration, impiety, irreverence, profanation, blasphemy

Antonyms: adoration, glorification, worship

Related Words: cursing, profanity, swearing; affront, insult; violation; contamination, corruption, debasement, pollution; sin, trespass

Near Antonyms: consecration, purification, sanctification; reverence, veneration

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