'profanation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'profanatio,' where 'pro-' meant 'before' and 'fanum' meant 'temple.'

'profanatio' transformed into the Old French word 'profanation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'profanation.'

Initially, it meant 'to treat something sacred with irreverence,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.