From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishdesecratedes‧e‧crate /ˈdesɪkreɪt/ verb [transitive] DAMAGEto spoil or damage something holy or respected► see thesaurus at damage —desecration /ˌdesɪˈkreɪʃən/ noun [uncountable]→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
desecrate• It is then that the atmosphere of peace becomes tinged with a sense of sadness at such a loss ... beauty desecrated.• Kelly's grave was also desecrated.• Most of the Egyptian tombs were desecrated and robbed.• The church had been desecrated by vandals.• Yet he hated to think of Wheeler, who represented everything bogus and hollow, desecrating his beloved church.• Other new signs posted to describe scenery have been desecrated or struck down.• Three skinheads admitted desecrating over 100 graves.• Never mind that he desecrated their spirit.Origin desecrate (1600-1700) de- + consecrate 