Defile: meaning, definitions and examples

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defile

[ dɪˈfaɪl ]

Verb / Noun

^{Context #1 | Verb}

pollute

To make something dirty or impure, especially a sacred place.

Synonyms

contaminate, desecrate, pollute.

Examples of usage

The vandals defiled the church by spray painting graffiti on its walls.
She felt it was disrespectful to defile the memorial by leaving trash around it.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

violate

To violate the purity, sanctity, or integrity of something.

Synonyms

profane, taint, violate.

Examples of usage

The soldiers defiled the enemy's territory by destroying crops and homes.
He felt that sharing personal information with strangers would defile his privacy.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

damage

A spot or blemish that spoils the appearance of something.

Synonyms

blemish, flaw, stain.

Examples of usage

The defile on her dress was caused by a spill at the party.
He noticed a defile on the ancient manuscript, indicating its age.

Translations

Translations of the word "defile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfile

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शन

🇩🇪 Defilee

🇮🇩 peragaan busana

🇺🇦 дефіле

🇵🇱 pokaz mody

🇯🇵 デフィレ

🇫🇷 défilé

🇪🇸 desfile

🇹🇷 defile

🇰🇷 패션쇼

🇸🇦 موكب

🇨🇿 přehlídka

🇸🇰 prezentácia

🇨🇳 时装秀

🇸🇮 modna revija

🇮🇸 tískusýning

🇰🇿 дефиле

🇬🇪 დეფილე

🇦🇿 defile

🇲🇽 desfile

Etymology

The word 'defile' originated from the Middle English 'defylen', which meant 'to pollute or corrupt'. It has roots in Old French and Latin, tracing back to the Latin word 'foul'. Over the centuries, 'defile' has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings of contamination or violation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,817, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19814 embittered
19815 patting
19816 nostril
19817 defile
19818 waiving
19819 rationalized
19820 sigma
...