defiled
|de-filed|
B2
/dɪˈfaɪld/
(defile)
making impure
Etymology
Etymology Information
'defile' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'defouler,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'fouler' meant 'to trample.'
Historical Evolution
'defouler' transformed into the Middle English word 'defoulen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'defile.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to trample down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make unclean or impure.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make unclean or impure.
The river was defiled by the factory waste.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'defile'.
The sacred site was defiled by vandals.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42