Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROF-A-NA'TION, n. [Fr.; It. profanazione; Sp. profanacion; from L. profano. See Profane.]

1. The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them with contempt or irreverence; as, the profanation of the sabbath by sports, amusements or unnecessary labor; the profanation of a sanctuary; the profanation of the name of God by swearing, jesting, &c.
2. The act of treating with abuse or disrespect. 'Twere profanation of our joys / To tell the laity our love. – Donne.