1. removes the sacred character from something; makes something no longer holy or consecrated
Usage: religious context; formal

Examples

• The bishop deconsecrates the old church before its demolition.
• The ritual deconsecrates the altar so it can be moved.
• When a cemetery is relocated, officials must first deconsecrate the ground.
• The priest deconsecrates the chapel that will become a community center.
• Religious authorities deconsecrate sacred objects before disposal.
• The diocese deconsecrates buildings that are no longer used for worship.