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Glite Dictionary
to defile sacred ground

to defile sacred ground

9.9
Treat a holy place like a temple with disrespect by damaging or polluting it
  • idiom
translation icon : profanar terreno sagrado
  • Archaeologists took special precautions to avoid accidentally defiling sacred ground during their excavation.

Examples

  • The construction project was halted after locals claimed it would defile sacred ground.

  • Many believe it is a great sin to defile sacred ground with violence or destruction.

  • Do not defile sacred ground with your actions!

  • They defiled sacred ground during their protest.

  • Many believe it is a great sin to defile sacred ground with violence or destruction.

  • Archaeologists took special precautions to avoid accidentally defiling sacred ground during their excavation.

  • The construction project was halted after locals claimed it would defile sacred ground.

Synonyms

to disrespect
vsto defile sacred ground
115 3.5

To show a lack of respect for someone

involves active violation of a holy place rather than mere rudeness
to violate
vsto defile sacred ground
67 4.9

Treat a place, object, or tradition in a way that shows no respect

is specifically about harming or dishonoring a place seen as holy
to desecrate
vsto defile sacred ground
44 8.1

To damage or show disrespect to a holy place, for example a grave

focuses on disrespect rather than physical harm
to defile
vsto defile sacred ground
38 8.6

To make something dirty or harm its reputation

is about showing disrespect to a holy place rather than dirtiness
to profane
vsto defile sacred ground
4 7.2

To treat a holy place or thing with disrespect

focuses on active violation of a holy place
to outrage
vsto defile sacred ground
  • Formal
2 7.9

Treat a holy place or object with disrespect

is a general act of disrespect toward a holy place

Antonyms

to sanctify
24 7.4

To make a person or place holy with a religious ceremony

Surface Forms

defile sacred ground infinitive
defiled sacred ground past
defiled sacred ground past participle
defiling sacred ground present participle
defiles sacred ground third person singular

Morphology

defile + sacred + ground

The overall meaning is directly derivable from the constituent words: 'defile' (to violate or sully) applied to 'sacred' (holy) 'ground' (place/earth) yields 'violate a holy place.' This is a straightforward verb + adjective + noun composition and reflects a common cross-linguistic concept, so a B1 learner who knows the parts should understand it.

Etymology

Defile sacred ground paints a simple picture: someone making the earth of a holy place dirty or damaged, for example by leaving blood, trash, or breaking objects there. So, the word defile means 'to make dirty' and sacred ground means 'a holy place', which is why the phrase means 'to violate or show disrespect' to a place people hold as holy.