defiling
|de-file|
/dɪˈfaɪlɪŋ/
(defile)
making impure
Etymology
'defile' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'defouler,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'fouler' meant 'to trample.'
'defouler' transformed into the Middle English word 'defoulen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'defile.'
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 something dirty or unclean, especially in a way that is considered morally offensive.
The vandals defiled the church with graffiti.
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Verb 2
present participle form of 'defile'.
The river is defiling the landscape with its polluted waters.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45