profaning

Variant of profane

profane definition

pro·fane (prō fān′, prə-)

adjective

  1. not connected with religion or religious matters; secular profane art
  2. not initiated into the inner mysteries or esoteric knowledge of something
  3. not hallowed or consecrated
  4. showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent

Etymology: LME prophane < MFr < L profanus < pro-, before + fanum, temple; lit., outside of the temple, hence not sacred, common: see pro- & fane

transitive verb profaned -·faned′, profaning -·fan′·ing

  1. to treat (sacred things) with irreverence or contempt; desecrate
  2. to put to a base or improper use; debase; defile

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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