Sacrilege Meaning and Definition
Sacrilege
Pronunciation
/ˈsækrəlaɪdʒ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The act of treating something sacred or holy with contempt or disrespect, or the product of such an act.
Examples
- The vandals committed sacrilege by desecrating the ancient temple.
- The poet’s harsh words were considered sacrilege by the faithful.
Synonyms
- Blasphemy
- Profanity
Antonyms
- Reverence
- Adoration
Etymology
The word “Sacrilege” comes from the Latin “sacrilegus”, meaning “desecrating sacred things”, and is derived from “sacer”, meaning “sacred”, and “legere”, meaning “to take or gather.
Usage Notes
It is important to use the word “Sacrilege” carefully and respectfully, as it refers to the desecration of sacred or holy things. It should not be used lightly or to describe actions that are simply rude or offensive.
Cultural References
The concept of sacrilege has been explored in various forms of art and literature throughout history. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, the Prince of Denmark accuses his uncle of sacrilege for murdering his father, the king.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Sacrilegious” is often used as an adjective to describe something that is impious or irreverent, such as “a sacrilegious act of vandalism.” This phrase is often used to convey a sense of deep respect and reverence for something, such as a sacred text or a revered institution.
Related Words or Phrases
- Profanity
- Blasphemy
- Heretical
Collocations
- Sacrilege and desecration
- Sacrilege and the sacred
Frequency of Use
The word “Sacrilege” is not commonly used in modern language, but it can be found in literary and scholarly contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Sacrelige
- Sacrilage