How Do You Spell DEFILE?

1. Defile is a verb that refers to the act of polluting, corrupting, or making impure, typically by the introduction of something harmful or undesirable. When a place or object is defiled, it becomes stained, ruined, or tainted in some way, often resulting in a loss of its original purity or sanctity.

   In a literal sense, defile can involve physically dirtying or damaging something through contamination, littering, or desecration. For example, defiling a water source can render it unsafe for consumption or defiling a religious artifact can desecrate its sacred value.

   However, defile can also be used metaphorically to describe the contamination or degradation of non-physical entities such as principles, ideals, or concepts. It implies a violation of something considered morally or ethically pure. For instance, one can defile the truth by spreading lies or defile a reputation by spreading damaging rumors.

   The word is often associated with negative actions or events that cause harm, dishonor, or degradation. Defile can also imply a violation of natural beauty or harmony, as seen when a pristine landscape is defiled by human-induced destruction, such as deforestation or pollution.

   Overall, defile encompasses a wide range of actions, both physical and metaphorical, that lead to the pollution, corruption, or loss of purity, sanctity, or integrity in various contexts.

2. • To render unclean or dirty; to make impure; to pollute or corrupt; to violate chastity.

   • A long narrow pass or gorge between hills through which troops can only march with a narrow front, or one by one.

   • To march off in a line or row, as soldiers.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DEFILE

The word "defile" has its origins in the Old French term "defouler", which meant "to trample down" or "to tread upon". This term is derived from the Latin word "dis-" meaning "away" or "apart", and "fullo" meaning "to tread". In early usage, "defile" referred to the act of treading or trampling upon something, such as the trampling of grass or the movement of troops through a narrow passage. Over time, the term evolved to also signify the act of desecrating or polluting something, both in a physical and metaphorical sense.

Similar spelling words for DEFILE

Plural form of DEFILE is DEFILES

Conjugate verb Defile

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