Thursday, December 22, 2011

Profane

Profane \pruh-FEYN\ or \proh-FEYN\ , adjective;
1. Characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things; irreligious
2. Unholy; heathen; pagan
3. Common or vulgar
verb;
1. To misuse (anything that should be held in reverence or respect); defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily

This word, as a verb, dates to the late 14th century and comes from Latin. It is a combination of pro- + fano ("before" + "temple") and means "not admitted into the temple (with the initiates)." From there it became profanus ("unholy, not consecrated") and then profanare ("to desecrate"). The adjective form is first attested in the late 15th century.

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