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de·file1 (dĭ-fīl')
tr.v., -filed, -fil·ing, -files.
  1. To make filthy or dirty; pollute: defile a river with sewage.
  2. To debase the pureness or excellence of; corrupt: a country landscape that was defiled by urban sprawl.
  3. To profane or sully (a reputation, for example).
  4. To make unclean or unfit for ceremonial use; desecrate: defile a temple.
  5. To violate the chastity of.

[Middle English defilen, alteration (influenced by filen, to befoul , from Old English fȳlan) of defoulen, to trample on, abuse, pollute, from Old French defouler, to trample, full cloth : de-, de- + fouler, to trample, beat down; see full2.]

defilement de·file'ment n.
defiler de·fil'er n.
defilingly de·fil'ing·ly adv.



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