sacrilege
UK: ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ | US: ˈsækrəlɪdʒ
n. the violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred
n. an act of disrespect or blasphemy toward something held sacred
sacrilege = sacri<holy> + lege<to take>
- sacri: From Latin sacer (holy, sacred).
- lege: From Latin legere (to gather, take).
Etymology Origin:
The word sacrilege originates from Latin sacrilegium, combining sacer (sacred) and legere (to take or steal). Historically, it referred to stealing sacred objects from temples—a grave offense. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any profane act against sacred things, reflecting the gravity of violating the divine.
The vandalism of the ancient temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
Many viewed his disrespectful comments about the religious text as sacrilege.
In medieval times, sacrilege was punishable by severe penalties.
The artist’s controversial depiction of the saint bordered on sacrilege.
To some, removing the relic from its shrine would be sheer sacrilege.