Befouling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💩
befouling
[bɪˈfaʊlɪŋ ]
Definition
environmental pollution
To befoul is to make something dirty or unclean, often in a manner that is offensive or degrading. The term is frequently used in relation to environmental issues, where substances like pollutants or waste are introduced into natural settings, causing contamination. This act can have serious repercussions for both ecosystems and human health. Befouling can occur in various forms, such as littering, oil spills, or industrial discharge into water bodies.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The factory was fined for befouling the river with toxic waste.
- Residents were outraged by the befouling of their local park.
- Efforts are underway to prevent befouling of the coastal waters.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'befouling'
The word 'befoul' originates from the combination of the prefix 'be-' and the word 'foul.' The prefix 'be-' suggests to cover or to affect, while 'foul' comes from Middle English 'foul,' meaning dirty or offensive. The term has roots in Old English and has been used to describe the act of making something foul or dirty since at least the early 14th century. It is often employed in literary contexts to describe both physical dirtiness and moral or ethical degradation, underscoring its flexibility and rich connotation over the centuries. Through time, the linked notion of environmental impact has become increasingly relevant, especially in modern discussions regarding pollution and conservation.