Defile Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To make something dirty, impure, or no longer holy, especially by damaging its purity, honor, or beauty. It can also mean to damage someone's reputation.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and literary; often used about sacred or respected things ('defile a temple', 'defile one's honor'). Used metaphorically for damaging reputation or purity. Not for general dirtiness—use 'soil' or 'dirty' instead for everyday situations.

• Spanish: contaminar - profanar - manchar (reputación)
• Portuguese (BR): contaminar - profanar - manchar (reputação)
• Portuguese (PT): contaminar - profanar - manchar (reputação)
• Chinese (Simplified): 玷污 - 污染 (名誉)
• Chinese (Traditional): 玷污 - 污染（名譽）
• Hindi: अपवित्र करना - दूषित करना
• Arabic: يدنس - يلوث - يشوّه (السمعة)
• Bengali: অপবিত্র করা - কলুষিত করা - নোংরা করা (পবিত্রতা নষ্ট করা)
• Russian: осквернять - позорить - загрязнять (сакральное)
• Japanese: 汚す（神聖・名誉を） - けがす
• Vietnamese: làm ô uế - làm nhơ bẩn (danh dự, sự thiêng liêng)
• Korean: 더럽히다 - 모독하다 (신성·명예를)
• Turkish: kirletmek - lekelemek (kutsal veya onur)
• Urdu: ناپاک کرنا - بدنام کرنا (مقدس یا عزت کے لیے)
• Indonesian: menodai - mencemari (kesucian/hormat)

Example Sentences

They were punished for trying to defile the sacred statue.

basic

She refused to defile her hands with dishonest work.

basic

You must not defile this holy place.

basic

The scandal defiled his reputation forever.

natural

He would rather suffer than defile his conscience.

natural

The river was defiled by toxic waste from the factory.

natural