First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1defile
verb de·file \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, dē-\
de·filedde·fil·ing
Definition of DEFILE
transitive verb
: to make unclean or impure: as a : to corrupt the purity or perfection of : debase <the countryside defiled by billboards> b : to violate the chastity of : deflower c : to make physically unclean especially with something unpleasant or contaminating <boots defiled with blood> d : to violate the sanctity of : desecrate <defile a sanctuary> e : sully, dishonor
— de·file·ment \-ˈfī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
— de·fil·er \-ˈfī-lər\ noun
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Origin of DEFILE
Middle English, alteration (influenced by filen to defile, from Old English fȳlan) of defoilen to trample, defile, from Anglo-French defoiller, defuler, to trample, from de- + fuller, foller to trample, literally, to full — more at full
Synonym Discussion of DEFILE
contaminate, taint, pollute, defile mean to make impure or unclean. contaminate implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source <water contaminated by industrial wastes>. taint stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination <tainted meat> <a politician's tainted reputation>. pollute, sometimes interchangeable with contaminate, distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy <the polluted waters of the river>. defile implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration <defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo>.
2defile
noun de·file \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, ˈdē-ˌfī(-ə)l\
: a narrow passage through mountains
Full Definition of DEFILE
: a narrow passage or gorge
See defile defined for English-language learners
Origin of DEFILE
French défilé, from past participle of défiler
First Known Use: 1685
3defile
verb de·file \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, ˈdē-ˌfī(-ə)l\
de·filedde·fil·ing
Definition of DEFILE
intransitive verb
: to march off in a line
Origin of DEFILE
French défiler, from dé- de- + filer to move in a column — more at file
First Known Use: 1705
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