Desecrate (verb)

1. To treat something sacred with disrespect, especially by damaging or defiling it.
2. To violate the sanctity of something, especially a sacred place.

Origin:

From latin desacrare, meaning "to remove the sacredness from".

Examples:

1. The vandals desecrated the church by spray-painting graffiti on the walls.
2. He desecrated the graves by stealing the flowers and trinkets left by the bereaved.
3. The protesters desecrated the flag by burning it.
4. The company's actions desecrated the natural beauty of the area.
5. The desecration of the ancient temple was a crime against history and culture.