What does deconsecrate mean?
To deconsecrate is to formally remove the sacred status of a church, chapel, or other religious site — typically through an official act of church authority. The word arises most often when a house of worship closes permanently: before a redundant church can be sold, converted into apartments, or demolished, it must usually be deconsecrated, since consecrated buildings and grounds cannot be treated as ordinary property. Unlike 'desecrate', which suggests deliberate violation or profanation, 'deconsecrate' is neutral and administrative in tone, describing a legitimate procedural step rather than an act of disrespect. Derived forms include the adjective 'deconsecrated' and the noun 'deconsecration'. The word appears chiefly in ecclesiastical, legal, and heritage discussions, particularly in Britain, where large numbers of historic churches have been decommissioned. It is a precise term worth knowing for anyone reading about architecture, planning, or religious institutions.
verbTo officially remove the sacred or consecrated status of a church, building, or other place, especially by formal religious authority.
- To remove the sacred status of a church or other religious building by official authority.
- More broadly, to divest something of its sacred or holy character.
"The diocese voted to deconsecrate the abandoned church and sell the building."
"The parish decided to deconsecrate the Victorian chapel after decades of disuse."
"By the 1970s, many redundant urban churches were deconsecrated and converted into offices or flats."
When an old English church becomes a pub or apartment block, it isn't just sold — it has to be formally deconsecrated first, because consecrated ground can't simply change hands like ordinary property.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deconsecrate
Deconsecrate combines the prefix 'de-' (indicating reversal or removal) with 'consecrate', which comes from Latin 'consecrare' — formed from 'com-' ('together') and 'sacrare' ('to make sacred'), itself derived from 'sacer', meaning sacred. The verb emerged in English around the early 17th century as ecclesiastical and legal contexts required a term for formally undoing consecration. It shares its root with words such as 'consecration', 'sacred', and 'execrate'.
Related word forms
How deconsecrate is actually used
Formal register, typically used in ecclesiastical, legal, and architectural contexts. It carries a neutral, administrative tone rather than the negative connotation of 'desecrate'. Most often applied to churches, chapels, and burial grounds that are being repurposed or demolished.
Easily confused with deconsecrate
'Deconsecrate' is a neutral, often official act removing sacred status from a religious building, while 'desecrate' implies violating or treating something sacred with disrespect.