profane Definition
pro·fane (prō fān′, prə-)
adjective
- not connected with religion or religious matters; secular profane art
- not initiated into the inner mysteries or esoteric knowledge of something
- not hallowed or consecrated
- 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 -·faned′, -·fan′·ing
- to treat (sacred things) with irreverence or contempt; desecrate
- to put to a base or improper use; debase; defile
profane Related Forms
pro·fane′ly adverb
pro·fane′·ness noun
pro·fan′er noun
profane Synonyms
profane
modif.
Worldly
temporal, transitory, transient; see worldly 2.Irreverent
godless, irreligious, sacrilegious; see atheistic, impious.
profane Synonyms
profane
v.
profane Usage Examples
Object
- Sabbath: We are warned not to take photographs, write notes or do anything else which might seem to profane the Sabbath.
- covenant: Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?
- name: Or if I have too little I'll steal and profane the name of my God.
- temple: Thus for the third and last time this conqueror invaded Judea and profaned the temple.
- thing: He must not profane these holy things, because I am the Lord and I make them holy.
- prince: He's the profaned, wicked prince that is talked about in verse 25.
Modifies a noun
- language: There should be no use of foul or profane language.
- history: Yet, like all other countries, the United States exists within profane history.
- person: He is warning us of the approach of some profane person, and tells us to seek some other retreat to renew our pleasures.
- word: I spoke to God and I used profane words.
- world: Humanity, however, has forgotten its divine origins and has become mired in the profane world of desire and material form.
- man: In our downfall this audacious and profane man undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious name.
Modifying Another Word
- so: You will not so profane the Lord's name.
- not: Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God.
- too: And nothing, it seems, is too profane or too outrageous to be fused with " worship.
- all: A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known e.
- only: When he violates this sacred trust, he not only profanes his entire cult but threatens the very fabric of international society.
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