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profane

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The definition of profane is something that is obscene or contrary to religious teachings.

(adjective)

An example of profane is pornography.

To profane is to treat someone or something disrespectfully, especially someone or something sacred.

(verb)

An example of profane is when you insult the Pope.

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See profane in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

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

transitive verb profaned, profaning

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

Related Forms:

profanely adverb
profaneness noun
profaner noun

See profane in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred.
Nonreligious in subject matter, form, or use; secular: sacred and profane music.
Not admitted into a body of secret knowledge or ritual; uninitiated.
Vulgar; coarse.

transitive verb pro·faned, pro·fan·ing, pro·fanes

To treat with irreverence: profane the name of God.
To put to an improper, unworthy, or degrading use; abuse.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English prophane

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin profānus

Origin: , from prō fānō, in front of the temple

Origin: : prō-, before, outside; see pro-¹

Origin: + fānō

Origin: , ablative of fānum, temple; see dhēs- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

pro·fanˈa·toˌry (prō-fănˈə-tôrˌē, -tōrˌē, prə-) adjective

pro·faneˈly adverb

pro·fanˈer noun

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