verb

defile

dih-FYL

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Defile (verb) means to make something dirty, corrupt, or impure, often something considered sacred or pure. Example: “Vandals defiled the ancient temple with spray paint.”

verb

To make something dirty, corrupt, or impure, often something considered sacred or pure.

"Vandals defiled the ancient temple with spray paint."

"She felt his lies had defiled the memory of their friendship."

noun

A narrow gorge or pass, originally one narrow enough for soldiers to march through only in single file.

"The convoy moved slowly through a rocky defile in the mountains."

How to use defile

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo spoil or corrupt something pure — or, as a noun, a narrow passage soldiers must cross single file.

Common mistake

The verb and the noun are historically unrelated words that happen to look identical — don't assume one explains the other.

Common pairings

defile a shrine defile someone's honor march through a defile

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: defiles
Third person singular: defiles
Past tense: defiled

Test yourself on “defile” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Vandals _____ the ancient temple with spray paint.

Etymology

The verb comes from Middle English defilen, tangled up with an older word defoulen ("to trample, oppress"), itself from Old French defouler ("to trample, crush"). The noun sense (a narrow pass) comes separately from French défiler, "to march in file."

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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pollute contaminate corrupt desecrate sully taint foul maculate stain cloud befoul tarnish

Antonyms

consecrate clean purify cleanse sanctify

Related words

light pick fair clean fresh drunk empty pure

Rhymes for defile

file mile tile pile wile vile rile Nile bile Chile smile while

See all rhymes for defile →

Frequently asked questions

What does “defile” mean?

The word “defile” means to make something dirty, corrupt, or impure, often something considered sacred or pure. In plain terms, to spoil or corrupt something pure — or, as a noun, a narrow passage soldiers must cross single file.

How do you pronounce “defile”?

“Defile” is pronounced dih-FYL (/dəˈfaɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “defile” in a sentence?

Here is “defile” used in a sentence: “Vandals defiled the ancient temple with spray paint.”

What part of speech is “defile”?

Depending on how it is used, “defile” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “defile” come from?

The word “defile” comes from Old French.

How many meanings does “defile” have?

“Defile” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something dirty, corrupt, or impure, often something considered sacred or pure.

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