defilement
|de-file-ment|
B2
/dɪˈfaɪlmənt/
(defile)
making impure
Etymology
Etymology Information
'defile' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'defouler,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'fouler' meant 'to trample.'
Historical Evolution
'defouler' transformed into the Middle English word 'defilen,' 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 dirty or impure.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of making something dirty or impure.
The defilement of the river was caused by industrial waste.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35