desecration
Desecration generally refers to treating a sacred or highly respected place, object, symbol, or site with disrespect, irreverence, or contempt. In law, the meaning of desecration depends on the statute or context, but it often involves intentionally defacing, damaging, physically mistreating, or otherwise violating protected property, symbols, or sites. Such actions violate the sanctity or sacredness of something considered holy or highly respected by a group or individual.
See: 18 U.S. Code § 700 - Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties, and the U.S. Supreme Court case Texas, Petitioner v. Gregory Lee Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989).
[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Wex