Profane

/prəˈfeɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a person who is not initiated into religious rites or who is not a member of a particular religion.

The scholar studied the texts to understand the beliefs of the profanes.

verb

to treat (something sacred) with disrespect or irreverence.

The vandals profaned the monument by defacing it with graffiti.

adjective

relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious.

The artwork contained profane symbols that shocked some of the more conservative viewers.

to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt.

He was known to profane ancient rituals that were deeply valued by the community.

characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles.

His profane remarks about the church angered many of the parishioners.

From Latin 'profanus' meaning 'outside the temple.'

profane language

Language that is coarse or vulgar.

profane words

Words that are considered disrespectful, especially in a religious context.

sacrilegious

Involving the violation or profanation of something sacred.

irreverent

Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.

blasphemous

Profane and disrespectful towards God or sacred things.

Cursing or swearing.

He began to profane when he stubbed his toe.

Using coarse or vulgar language.

She was told not to profane in front of the children.