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Webster 1913 Edition


Profanation

Profˊa-na′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
profanatio
: cf. F.
profanation
. See
Profane
,
Verb.
T.
]
1.
The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them with contempt or irreverence; irreverent or too familiar treatment or use of what is sacred; desecration;
as, the
profanation
of the Sabbath; the
profanation
of a sanctuary; the
profanation
of the name of God.
2.
The act of treating with abuse or disrespect, or with undue publicity, or lack of delicacy.
’T were
profanation
of our joys
To tell the laity our love.
Donne.

Webster 1828 Edition


Profanation

PROFANA'TION

,
Noun.
[L. profano. See Profane.]
1.
The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them with contempt or irreverence; as the profanation of the sabbath by sports, amusements or unnecessary labor; the profanation of a sanctuary; the profanation of the name of God by swearing, jesting, &c.
2.
The act of treating with abuse or disrespect.
'Twere profanation of our joys
To tell the laity our love.

Definition 2024


profanation

profanation

English

Noun

profanation (plural profanations)

  1. The act of profaning; desecration, blasphemous behaviour, defilement.
    • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, II.37:
      those which mocke and condemne it, intend neverthelesse to wrong this noble vertue; but onely to condemne the abuse and profanation of so sacred a title [].
    • 1826-06, The Gentleman's Magazine, page 528:
      [] but there is a time and a season for all things, and we look upon such attempts as that before us, with a certain portion of respect for a good intention, but as a lamentable want of judgment and good taste, not to speak of a familiarity with the phraseology of Scripture, little short of profanation.

Related terms


French

Etymology

profaner + -ation

Noun

profanation f (plural profanations)

  1. profanation