# desecrate, desecrated

## Definition:

The term “desecrate” means to damage or contaminate a sacred place or object in such a way that it is unacceptable for use in worship.

* Often desecrating something involves showing great disrespect for it.
* For example, pagan kings desecrated special dishes from God’s temple by using them for parties at their palace.
* Bones from dead people were used by enemies to desecrate the altar in God’s temple.
* This term could be translated as “cause to be unholy” or “dishonor by making impure” or “disrespectfully profane” or “cause to be impure.”

(See also: [altar](../kt/altar.md), [defile](../other/defile.md), [dishonor](../other/dishonor.md), [profane](../other/profane.md), [pure](../kt/purify.md), [temple](../kt/temple.md), [holy](../kt/holy.md))

## Bible References:

* [Acts 24:4-6](rc://en/tn/help/act/24/04)
* [Isaiah 30:22](rc://en/tn/help/isa/30/22)
* [Psalms 74:7-8](rc://en/tn/help/psa/074/007)
* [Psalms 89:39](rc://en/tn/help/psa/089/39)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H2490, H2610, H2930, G09530
