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sacrilège

sacrilege

noun sah-kree-LEZH Rare
Mind & Emotions Values

Origin: From Latin 'sacrilegium' (theft of sacred things).

Usage Note

Sacrilège can also function as an adjective meaning 'sacrilegious' (un acte sacrilège). As a noun it is masculine. In modern usage it has extended beyond the religious to any act treated as a shocking violation — ne pas finir son assiette, c'est un sacrilège! ('not finishing your plate is sacrilege!'). The final -ge is pronounced as the zh sound in 'measure'.

Examples

"Détruire ce tableau serait un sacrilège."

Natural Translation

Destroying that painting would be a sacrilege.

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