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Defilement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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defilement

[dษชหˆfaษชlmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social

The action of spoiling or damaging the purity or quality of something.

Synonyms

contamination, desecration, pollution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defilement

Used when something pure or sacred has been spoiled or violated. Often used in religious or ceremonial contexts.

  • The defilement of the sacred temple was considered a grave offense.
  • The defilement of the ancient tomb shocked the archeological community.
contamination

Used when something, often physical matter like food, water, or the environment, has been made impure or harmful by addition of a pollutant or toxin.

  • The contamination of the drinking water caused widespread illness.
  • Proper handling of food is essential to avoid contamination.
pollution

Used when discussing the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, leading to adverse effects on nature and human health. Commonly used in environmental sciences and public policy.

  • Air pollution in the city has reached dangerous levels.
  • Efforts to reduce ocean pollution are gaining momentum worldwide.
desecration

Used specifically for acts that disrespect or violate something holy or very respected. Often has a strong negative connotation and is used in legal or moral contexts.

  • The vandalism of the cemetery was an act of desecration.
  • There were protests against the desecration of the war memorial.

Examples of usage

  • Defilement of the environment is a pressing issue in today's society.
  • The defilement of the river by industrial waste has led to severe consequences for the wildlife.
  • The defilement of the sacred site outraged the local community.
Context #2 | Noun

religious

The state of being polluted, especially in a ritual or moral sense.

Synonyms

defamation, impurity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defilement

Use this word to describe the corruption or destruction of something pure, sacred, or revered. It often carries a serious or dramatic tone.

  • The vandals were charged with the defilement of the historic statue.
  • The ritual was considered a defilement of their sacred traditions.
impurity

Impurity is used to indicate the presence of contaminants or the lack of purity in an object, substance, or concept. It is mostly used in a physical or metaphorical sense, often concerning cleanliness or moral integrity.

  • The water test revealed a high level of impurity.
  • She struggled with feelings of impurity and unworthiness.
defamation

This word refers to the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements. It is commonly used in legal contexts and can involve public statements or published works.

  • The celebrity filed a lawsuit for defamation against the tabloid.
  • He was concerned that the rumors would lead to defamation of his character.

Examples of usage

  • The defilement of the temple required a purification ceremony.
  • He felt a sense of defilement after committing the unethical act.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To spoil or mar the purity or appearance of something.

Synonyms

contaminate, desecrate, taint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defilement

Use this word when referring to the act of making something impure or spoiled, especially in a spiritual or sacred sense. This term often implies significant damage and is typically very negative.

  • The defilement of the sacred temple was an unforgivable act.
  • They spoke about the defilement of the innocent minds by violent media.
desecrate

Use this word when discussing the act of violating or disrespecting something sacred or holy. It has strong negative connotations and implies a profound lack of reverence.

  • Vandals desecrated the cemetery with graffiti.
  • It's a crime to desecrate religious symbols.
contaminate

This word is appropriate when discussing the introduction of unwanted substances that make something impure, especially in a physical or chemical context.

  • The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste.
  • Be careful not to contaminate the food with raw meat.
taint

This term is suitable for describing a slight or moderate contamination that affects the purity of something, which can be both physical or metaphorical.

  • There was a rumor that tainted her reputation.
  • The meat was found to be tainted with bacteria.

Examples of usage

  • She felt that the graffiti defiled the beauty of the historic building.
  • The act of vandalism defiled the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In ancient cultures, defilement often referred to the violation of sacred spaces or objects, marking a critical offense in religious practices.
  • Many literary works utilize the concept of defilement to symbolize the loss of innocence, such as in classical tragedies and modern fiction.
  • Popular films and shows sometimes depict defilement as a theme, emphasizing moral decay or the impact of societal corruption.

Psychology

  • Studies in psychology explore feelings of defilement as part of moral emotions, where individuals may feel a sense of disgust or guilt over actions they perceive as impure.
  • The sense of defilement can provoke strong stress responses, often connected to oneโ€™s cultural norms and personal upbringing.
  • Psychological research often ties the concept to obsessive-compulsive disorders, where individuals may obsess over cleanliness and fear contamination.

Environmental Science

  • Defilement isn't limited to moral or physical concepts; it's also used in environmental science to describe the pollution of natural resources, leading to the deterioration of ecosystems.
  • In discussions around climate change, defilement of the earth refers to human actions that harm nature, lowering air quality and water purity.
  • Restoration efforts focus on reversing defilement by cleaning up contaminated areas, making these practices essential for sustainable living.

Law

  • In some legal contexts, defilement can refer to actions that violate legal codes of conduct, particularly in relation to public decency or environmental laws.
  • Laws dealing with defilement often aim to address and rectify harm done to individuals or the community, promoting a sense of collective morality.
  • In family law, the term can also pertain to issues of child protection, where educational systems and legal frameworks work to prevent situations that may harm a child's well-being.

Origin of 'defilement'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'defiler,' which means 'to make foul.'
  • Its Latin roots can be traced back to 'defilare,' combining 'de' (down from) and 'filare' (to thread), suggesting a loss of clarity or purity.
  • Defilement has been used in both religious and secular contexts to describe moral or physical pollution.

The word 'defilement' originated from Middle English and Old French, ultimately deriving from the Latin word 'defilare' meaning 'to trample on' or 'to violate'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both physical and moral aspects of pollution and desecration.

See also: defiler.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,368, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.