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Befouled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฉ
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befouled

[bษชหˆfaสŠld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing state

Befouled refers to something that has been made dirty, polluted, or soiled. This term often carries a connotation of contamination, whether in a physical sense, like dirt on a surface, or in a moral sense, implying corruption or degradation. The word can be used to describe both tangible items, like water or clothing, and intangible concepts, such as reputations or ideals. When something is befouled, it typically signifies a departure from purity or cleanliness.

Synonyms

contaminated, dirty, polluted, soiled, tainted.

Examples of usage

  • The befouled water in the river posed a health risk.
  • She washed her befouled shirt after the mud fight.
  • The befouled reputation of the company affected its sales.
  • The park was left befouled after the heavy rain.
  • His befouled sense of ethics led to poor decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Several authors, including Shakespeare, used variations of this word to depict moral corruption, linking physical dirtiness with inner decay.
  • In gothic literature, settings described as 'befouled' often served as metaphors for the characters' troubled souls.
  • The term is used in various poetry forms to evoke strong imagery associated with ruin and pollution.

Environmental Science

  • In environmental contexts, 'befouled' is often used to describe waterways that have become toxic or contaminated by human activities.
  • Befouled habitats can lead to a decline in biodiversity, affecting ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
  • Efforts to clean up befouled areas often focus on restoring natural habitats and removing pollutants.

Pop Culture

  • 'Befouled' is sometimes referenced in movies and music to highlight themes of downfall or moral corruption.
  • In video games, areas described as 'befouled' often serve as obstacles to overcome or quests to purify.
  • TV shows about environmental issues highlight cases of befouled nature spots, raising awareness about pollution.

Psychology

  • Metaphorically, being 'befouled' can represent feelings of guilt or shame in psychological discussions.
  • Therapeutic practices often use the concept of 'cleaning' or 'purifying' oneโ€™s thoughts to address feelings of being morally or emotionally befouled.
  • The idea of cleanliness versus dirtiness is often tied to broader themes in identity and self-image.

Origin of 'befouled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'befouled' comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to make or to cause' and 'foul', which means 'dirty or unpleasant'.
  • It originated in the late 14th century, originally used in contexts related to washing or cleaning.
  • The term is often used in literary works, conveying not just physical dirtiness but moral or ethical decay as well.

The term 'befouled' is derived from the Middle English word 'foulen', meaning to make dirty or foul. The prefix 'be-' is an intensifying factor that emphasizes the action of making something dirty. The origin of 'foul' can be traced back to the Old English 'fลซl', which also means dirty, vile, or polluted. Over time, the use of 'befoul' has evolved, but its core meaning related to dirtiness and moral degradation has remained consistent. The usage of this word has seen a decline in modern vernacular, yet it still encapsulates a powerful image of impurity in both physical and abstract contexts. Literature and poetry sometimes utilize 'befouled' to evoke strong imagery of decay and corruption, linking it to themes of loss and deterioration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,088, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.