Defiler: meaning, definitions and examples

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defiler

 

[ dɪˈfaɪlər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who defiles or corrupts something, especially a person who desecrates a sacred place or object.

Synonyms

desecrator, destroyer, vandal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defiler

Used to describe someone who corrupts or ruins something sacred or cherished, implying a great degree of moral or ethical violation.

  • The defiler of the ancient temple left no stone unturned in his quest for treasures.
  • She felt like a defiler of nature when she accidentally trampled the rare flowers.
desecrator

Used when someone is showing disrespect to something sacred or holy, often associated with religious or revered sites.

  • The desecrator's graffiti on the church walls shocked the entire community.
  • He was labeled a desecrator after he was caught defacing the war memorial.
vandal

Refers to someone who deliberately damages or destroys public or private property, often for the sake of mischief. It usually indicates less moral weight than 'defiler' or 'desecrator'.

  • The vandals spray-painted the walls of the school during the night.
  • Security cameras captured the vandal breaking car windows in the parking lot.
destroyer

A general term for someone or something that causes complete ruin or elimination of something. It does not necessarily imply a sacred context.

  • The hurricane acted as a destroyer of homes along the coast.
  • He became a destroyer of dreams by constantly criticizing and belittling others.

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as a defiler of the natural environment.
  • The defiler was arrested for vandalizing the historic church.
Context #2 | Noun

fantasy

In fantasy fiction, a defiler is a spellcaster who draws magical energy from the environment, causing it to wither and die.

Synonyms

dark mage, necromancer, sorcerer.

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Word Description / Examples
defiler

Used to describe someone who pollutes or spoils something sacred or respected. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The ancient temple was destroyed by a defiler who cared nothing for its history or sanctity
dark mage

Refers to a magician who practices dark or forbidden magic. Often used in fantasy settings.

  • In the midst of battle, the dark mage conjured a spell that blackened the sky and struck fear into the hearts of all who saw it
necromancer

Specifically refers to someone who practices necromancy, the magic of raising the dead and communicating with spirits. Also has a strong negative connotation.

  • The necromancer summoned an army of undead to do his bidding, striking terror into the villagers
sorcerer

A general term for someone who uses magic, often with wisdom and power. Can have either positive or negative connotations, depending on the context.

  • The sorcerer cast a protection spell over the kingdom, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants for years to come

Examples of usage

  • The defiler drained the life force from the forest to fuel his dark magic.
  • She played the role of a defiler in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To defile means to spoil or ruin something, especially something sacred or pure.

Synonyms

contaminate, desecrate, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defiler

Used in a context where someone or something is causing great harm or disrespect to the purity or holiness of a place, object, or person. It often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The ancient temple was defiled by the invaders.
  • He felt like the defiler of her peaceful sanctuary.
desecrate

Used when referring to treating a sacred place or object with violent disrespect. This word often has strong cultural or religious implications and is highly negative.

  • Vandals desecrated the church by painting graffiti on the walls.
  • To desecrate the cemetery is to disrespect the memories of the deceased.
violate

Generally used to describe breaking a rule, law, or agreement, or abusing something or someone. This term can be used in legal, personal, and ethical contexts.

  • He was fined for violating the park's regulations.
  • She felt violated when her privacy was invaded.
contaminate

Refers to making something impure or harmful by adding pollutants or undesirable substances. It's commonly used in environmental and health contexts.

  • The river was contaminated by industrial waste.
  • Please ensure the samples are not contaminated during the experiment.

Examples of usage

  • He defiled the temple by spray painting graffiti on its walls.
  • The vandals defiled the memorial with their disrespectful actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "defiler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 порушник

🇮🇳 अपमानित करने वाला

🇩🇪 Schänder

🇮🇩 penodaan

🇺🇦 осквернитель

🇵🇱 profanator

🇯🇵 冒涜者 (ぼうとくしゃ)

🇫🇷 profanateur

🇪🇸 profanador

🇹🇷 hakaret eden

🇰🇷 모독자

🇸🇦 مُنتهِك

🇨🇿 znesvětitel

🇸🇰 znesvätiteľ

🇨🇳 亵渎者

🇸🇮 skrunilnik

🇮🇸 vanhelgari

🇰🇿 қасиетсiздiк жасаушы

🇬🇪 მუნათებელი

🇦🇿 təhqir edən

🇲🇽 profanador

Etymology

The word 'defiler' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'defoillier' meaning 'to trample down, violate, or dishonor.' Over time, the term has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical acts of desecration or corruption. The concept of defilement has been present in various cultures and religions, where the violation of sacred spaces or objects is considered a grave offense.

See also: defilement.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,988, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.