From the given options, Choose the word that can substitute the given phrase:-
Violation or misuse of something regarded as sacred.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → sacrilege
Sacrilege means violating or misusing something that is regarded as sacred. It comes from the Latin "sacrilegus", one who steals sacred things ("sacer", sacred, and "legere", to take).
Example: Damaging the temple idols was seen as an act of sacrilege.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: deist — Incorrect. A deist is a person who believes that God created the world but does not interfere in it; the word names a person with a belief, not an act.
Example: The philosopher was a deist who rejected miracles.
Option 3: transgression — Incorrect. Transgression means breaking a law, rule or moral code; it covers any wrongdoing and need not involve anything sacred.
Example: He was punished for his transgression of the school rules.
Option 4: bigotry — Incorrect. Bigotry means unfair dislike of people of a different religion, race or opinion.
Example: The leader spoke out against religious bigotry.