sacrilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sacrilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act that violates or shows disrespect for something considered sacred or holy. Example: "The vandalism of the ancient temple was seen as a sacrilege by the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it sacrilege to alter a hot-cross bun – to change it into a scone?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The paper points out that governments which punish sacrilege are giving representatives of the state, from bureaucrats to judges to village elders, a kind of arbitrary power.

The Economist

An outnumbered Communist babushka vainly tried to sell newspapers with the headline "Russians: Stalin is your saviour!"To the Communists, the abandonment of November 7th is a sacrilege.

The Economist

For the Palestinians, the fatal shootings on the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif) in Jerusalem on September 29th were a sacrilege against this very holy Muslim site.

The Economist

Though old hands might call it sacrilege, Mr Daft recognises that Coca-Cola is not always "it".

The Economist

The universal practice of music teachers and radio presenters pronouncing it as "Handle" or "Hahndel" was considered sacrilege by Professor Lang.

The Economist

Then accusations of sacrilege against another breakaway group, the Nirankaris, led to the emergence of a charismatic militant leader, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the bloody ensuing conflict.

The Economist

A blunt knife was not just a bad way to hurt an onion, but sacrilege, an insult to God's creation, its beauty and its excellence.Robert Capon could spread scorn as liberally as his beloved butter.

The Economist

Based in the city of Maiduguri, the extremists calling themselves Boko Haram, or "Western ways are sacrilege", have risen to prominence in the past two years.

The Economist

On February 14th, "some British Muslim couples exchange flowers or chocolates in a light-hearted way," says Yahya Birt, an influential British Muslim, "and this may grow more common as Islam in the United Kingdom becomes more Anglicised...it's not a big thing but it's not seen as an act of sacrilege either".

The Economist

Outraged by the sacrilege, national and Islamic institutions in Hebron called on Palestinians to protest "by all means".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sacrilege", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered sacred. This helps avoid misinterpretations and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "sacrilege" for minor offenses or disagreements. The term implies a serious violation of something deeply revered, so using it lightly can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sacrilege" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the act of violating something sacred. Ludwig confirms its use in varied sentence structures, as shown in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sacrilege" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the violation or disrespect of something sacred. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is important to note that the term is typically used in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When employing "sacrilege", be mindful of the strong disapproval it conveys and the necessity of clearly defining what is considered sacred in the given context. Understanding these nuances will enable effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desecration

Focuses on the act of violating something sacred, often physically.

profanation

Emphasizes the act of treating something sacred with irreverence.

blasphemy

Specifically refers to irreverent or impious behavior towards God or sacred things.

impiety

Highlights a lack of reverence or respect, especially towards religious figures or beliefs.

irreverence

Indicates a lack of respect or seriousness, often in a playful or mocking way.

violation of the sacred

A more explicit and descriptive way of expressing the concept.

defilement

Implies making something impure or unclean, especially something sacred.

dishonoring the holy

Emphasizes the act of disrespecting something considered holy.

contempt for the divine

Highlights a feeling of disdain or scorn towards something divine.

mockery of the sacred

Focuses on the act of ridiculing or making fun of something sacred.

FAQs

How can I use "sacrilege" in a sentence?

You can use "sacrilege" to describe an act that violates or disrespects something considered sacred or holy. For example: "The destruction of the ancient artifact was considered a "sacrilege" by the historians."

What words are similar to "sacrilege"?

Synonyms for "sacrilege" include "desecration", "profanation", and "blasphemy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sacrilege" in non-religious contexts?

While "sacrilege" is often associated with religious contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe a violation of something deeply valued or respected, even if it's not religious in nature. For example, "altering a classic recipe might be considered "sacrilege" by purists".

What's the difference between "sacrilege" and "heresy"?

"Sacrilege" refers to the violation or misuse of something sacred, while "heresy" refers to a belief or opinion that contradicts established religious doctrine. Sacrilege is an action; heresy is a belief.