profanation

profanation
    n 1: blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its
         sacred character; "desecration of the Holy Sabbath" [syn:
         {profanation}, {desecration}, {blasphemy}, {sacrilege}]
    2: degradation of something worthy of respect; cheapening
    

Profanation \Prof`a*na"tion\, n. [L. profanatio: cf. F.
   profanation. See {Profane}, v. t.]
   1. The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them
      with contempt or irreverence; irreverent or too familiar
      treatment or use of what is sacred; desecration; as, the
      profanation of the Sabbath; the profanation of a
      sanctuary; the profanation of the name of God.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The act of treating with abuse or disrespect, or with
      undue publicity, or lack of delicacy.
      [1913 Webster]

            'T were profanation of our joys
            To tell the laity our love.           --Donne.
      [1913 Webster]
    

48 Moby Thesaurus words for "profanation":
      abomination, abuse, abuse of office, atrocity, befoulment,
      blasphemousness, blasphemy, conversion, corrupt administration,
      debasement, defalcation, defilement, desecration, disgrace,
      diversion, embezzlement, fouling, ignominy, impiety, infamy,
      maladministration, malfeasance, malpractice, malversation,
      misapplication, misappropriation, misconduct, misemployment,
      misfeasance, mishandling, mismanagement, misusage, misuse,
      peculation, perversion, pilfering, pity, pollution,
      poor stewardship, profaneness, profanity, prostitution, sacrilege,
      sacrilegiousness, scandal, shame, terrible thing, violation