Vocabulary Spotlight
Defile
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To sully, mar, or spoil; to make something dirty or impure, especially in a sacred or valued place.
“The vandals defiled the historic monument with graffiti.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fahyl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Tarnish
Soil
Pollute
Corrupt
Antonyms
Cleanse
Sanctify
Honor
Respect
Related Words
Pollution (noun)
Tarnished (adjective)
Word Origin
“Defile” comes from the Old French “defouler,” meaning “to trample down,” evolving to signify ruining or spoiling.
Word Family
Noun: Defilement – The act of making something impure or dirty.
Adjective: Tarnished – Damaged or dirtied, often in a symbolic or moral sense.
Mnemonics
Remember “defile” as “de-file,” like adding filth to something pure or orderly.
Industry-specific Usage
Environmental Science
In environmental science, to defile means to pollute natural areas, impacting ecosystems negatively.
Religion
In religious contexts, defiling a sacred site or object is considered highly disrespectful and offensive.
History
In historical terms, defiling monuments or symbols was sometimes used to demonstrate disdain or conquest.
In Context
“Defile” is used in contexts of pollution or disrespect, especially regarding natural or cultural sites, emphasizing moral or physical contamination.