unsacrosanct

Unsacrosanct is an adjective used to describe something that is no longer considered sacred, holy, or inviolable. It implies a loss of reverence or a deliberate act of disrespect towards something that was previously held in high esteem or treated with special protection. The term can be applied to a variety of contexts, ranging from religious and spiritual matters to more secular concepts like traditions, places, or even ideas.

When something is described as unsacrosanct, it suggests that it has been profaned, desecrated, or simply disregarded in a way that diminishes its former status. This can occur through actions such as open criticism, commercialization, or the abandonment of long-held rituals or beliefs. The process of becoming unsacrosanct often involves a shift in societal values or a challenge to established authority.

For example, a historical religious site might become unsacrosanct if it falls into disrepair due to neglect or if its significance is reinterpreted in a less spiritual light by later generations. Similarly, a once-revered tradition might be deemed unsacrosanct if it is widely mocked or if its original meaning is lost and replaced with something trivial. The term highlights a transition from a state of protected sanctity to one of commonness or even contempt.