(v. t.) To divest of a sacred character or office; to divert from a sacred purpose; to violate the sanctity of; to profane; to put to an unworthy use; -- the opposite of consecrate.

abuse adulterate alloy befoul canker cheapen coarsen commit sacrilege confound contaminate convert corrupt debase debauch defalcate defile deflower degenerate degrade denature deprave depredate desolate despoil devalue devastate devour dishonor distort divert embezzle foul infect maladminister misapply misappropriate misemploy mishandle mismanage misuse peculate pervert pilfer pillage poison pollute profane prostitute ravage ravish sack spoliate taint twist ulcerate violate vitiate vulgarize warp waste