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Definition of profanatory - 2 dictionary results

pro⋅fan⋅a⋅to⋅ry

  [pruh-fan-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, proh-]
Use profanatory in a Sentence
–adjective
tending to desecrate; profaning.
Origin:
1850–55; profana-t(ion) + -ory 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To profanatory
pro·fane   (prō-fān', prə-)   
adj.  

  1. Marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred.

  2. Nonreligious in subject matter, form, or use; secular: sacred and profane music.

  3. Not admitted into a body of secret knowledge or ritual; uninitiated.

  4. Vulgar; coarse.

tr.v.   pro·faned, pro·fan·ing, pro·fanes

  1. To treat with irreverence: profane the name of God.

  2. To put to an improper, unworthy, or degrading use; abuse.


[Middle English prophane, from Old French, from Latin profānus, from prō fānō, in front of the temple : prō-, before, outside; see pro-1 + fānō, ablative of fānum, temple; see dhēs- in Indo-European roots.]
pro·fan'a·to'ry (prō-fān'ə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē, prə-) adj., pro·fane'ly adv., pro·fan'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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