Definition

To make a place of worship, like a church or temple, no longer sacred or holy.

Example

The community decided to deconsecrate the old church after it was no longer in use.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear they plan to deconsecrate that old church downtown?

Really? I can't believe they're doing that.

Yeah, it's such a historical place, it seems wrong to deconsecrate it.

I know, it feels like we're losing a piece of our history.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deconsecrate is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away from) and "consecrate" (from Latin "consecratus", meaning to make sacred). The word means to remove the sacred status from something, effectively taking it away from its consecrated state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the 'sacredness' ('consecrate') from something — that's what deconsecrate means.

Visually Confused Words