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

'profanus' transformed into the Old French word 'profaner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'profane' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'outside the temple,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'treating something sacred with disrespect.'