Word
defiled
Phoneticsde·filed
UK/dɪfˈaɪld/
Definition
v. to make something dirty or impure, especially something people respect or treat as holy.
v. to spoil the purity or sacred character of something; to make physically dirty or morally corrupt.
Examples
“They have defiled the clean river with trash.”
“Vandals defiled the war memorial with spray paint, and the town gathered to clean it the next morning.”
“The invaders defiled the ancient temple, leaving sacred texts torn and walls blackened, a loss historians still describe with quiet anger.”
Examples
simple
“They have defiled the clean river with trash.”
contextual
“Vandals defiled the war memorial with spray paint, and the town gathered to clean it the next morning.”
complex
“The invaders defiled the ancient temple, leaving sacred texts torn and walls blackened, a loss historians still describe with quiet anger.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “defiled” in context.
Verb
01. attempt to defile
“Guards stopped intruders who attempted to defile the shrine.”
verb + particle + verb
02. invader defile
“The invaders defiled the cathedral and looted its treasures.”
noun + verb
Adjective
03. deliberately defile
“Occupying forces deliberately defiled the monastery's shrines.”
adv + verb
04. systematically defile
“Reports claim troops systematically defiled sacred sites in the region.”
adv + verb
Noun
05. defile altar
“The rebels defiled the altar during the attack on the church.”
verb + noun
06. defile grave
“He was jailed for defiling graves in the historic cemetery.”
verb + noun
07. defile memory
“Critics said the film defiled the memory of the victims.”
verb + noun
08. defile sanctuary
“They feared mining would defile the mountain sanctuary.”
verb + noun
09. defile temple
“Soldiers defiled the temple by using it as a barracks.”
verb + noun
10. accused of defiling graves
“Two teenagers were accused of defiling graves in the churchyard.”
11. defile sacred ground
“Protesters said the new road would defile sacred ground.”
12. defile the memory of victims
“She argued the sensational book defiled the memory of the victims.”
Usage
Transitive and takes a direct object, often something sacred, pure, or respected.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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