Definition of profane

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< profanation

profanity >

pro·fane    (pr-fn, pr-) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred.
2. Nonreligious in subject matter, form, or use; secular: sacred and profane music.
3. Not admitted into a body of secret knowledge or ritual; uninitiated.
4. Vulgar; coarse.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pro·faned , pro·fan·ing , pro·fanes

1. To treat with irreverence: profane the name of God.
2. To put to an improper, unworthy, or degrading use; abuse.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English prophane, from Old French, from Latin profnus, from pr fn, in front of the temple : pr-, before, outside ; see pro- ¹ + fn, ablative of fnum, temple; see dhs- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
pro·fana·tory   (pr-fn-tôr, -tr, pr-) KEY  (Adjective), pro·fanely (Adverb), pro·faner (Noun)

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