defile — to damage the purity or appearance of something; to pollute or corrupt
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to damage the purity or appearance of something; to pollute or corrupt
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfaɪl/
Example Sentences
- The influencer's scandal defiled her wholesome image faster than you can say 'unfollow'.
- Industrial waste continues to defile our rivers and oceans.
- My roommate defiled the kitchen so badly that even the cockroaches packed their bags and left.
defile
VERB[/dɪˈfaɪl/]
to damage the purity or appearance of something; to pollute or corrupt
Defile means to pollute something pristine.
DE ruins the FILE - corruption spreads everywhere!
Defile by the muddy tile — one dirty boot drags filth across the shining floor.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'defouler' meaning to trample down or tread upon, derived from 'de-' (down) and 'fouler' (to tread), ultimately from Latin 'fullo' (fuller, one who treads cloth). The sense evolved from physical trampling to spiritual or moral corruption.
Breakdown
de- (down, away) + file (from Old French fouler, to tread) = defile (to trample upon, corrupt, or pollute)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The influencer's scandal defiled her wholesome image faster than you can say 'unfollow'.”
“Industrial waste continues to defile our rivers and oceans.”
“My roommate defiled the kitchen so badly that even the cockroaches packed their bags and left.”
“The narrow defile provided the perfect spot for an ambush.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.