befoul

be·foul

verb \bi-ˈfau̇(-ə)l, bē-\

Definition of BEFOUL

transitive verb

1

: to make foul (as with dirt or waste)

2

: sully, soil, besmirch <scandal befouled his reputation>

Examples of BEFOUL

1. pollutants that befoul the air and water
2. <unsightly mud and slush befouls the family car every winter>

First Known Use of BEFOUL

before 12th century

Related to BEFOUL

Synonyms: dirty, begrime, bemire, besmirch, blacken, daub, distain [archaic], foul, gaum [dialect], grime, mire, muck, muddy, smirch, smudge, soil, stain, sully

Antonyms: clean, cleanse

Related Words: contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; discolor; confuse, disarrange, disarray, dishevel, disorder, draggle, jumble, mess, muddle; colly [chiefly British dialect], crock [dialect]

Near Antonyms: decontaminate, purge, purify; disinfect, sanitize; brush, dry-clean, dust, launder, mop, rinse, scour, scrub, sweep, wash, wipe; brighten, deodorize, freshen, renew, spruce (up); straighten (up), tidy (up)

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Rhymes with BEFOUL

barn owl, barred owl, beach towel, elf owl, horned owl, night owl, screech owl, tea towel