Defile
/dɪˈfaɪl/noun
To sully, mar, or spoil; to make unclean or impure.
Did you know?The word "defile" derives from a Latin term related to sacred rituals, emphasizing how purity is deeply entwined with notions of corruption and power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
defilare
“to make foul or dirty, originally related to sacred rituals.”
Old French
Old French
defiler
“to desecrate or degrade, especially in a ceremonial context.”
Middle English
Middle English
defilen
“to sully or make impure, particularly in reference to sacred items.”
Modern English
English
defile
“to corrupt or make unclean, often used in moral or spiritual contexts.”
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