defile
1de·file
transitive verb \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, dē-\de·filedde·fil·ing
Definition of DEFILE
: to make unclean or impure: as a : to corrupt the purity or perfection of : debase <the countryside defiled by billboards> b : to violate the chastity of : deflower c : to make physically unclean especially with something unpleasant or contaminating <boots defiled with blood> d : to violate the sanctity of : desecrate <defile a sanctuary> e : sully, dishonor
— de·file·ment \-ˈfī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
— de·fil·er \-ˈfī-lər\ noun
Origin of DEFILE
Middle English, alteration (influenced by filen to defile, from Old English fȳlan) of defoilen to trample, defile, from Anglo-French defoiller, defuler, to trample, from de- + fuller, foller to trample, literally, to full — more at full
First Known Use: 14th century
2de·file
noun \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, ˈdē-ˌfī(-ə)l\Definition of DEFILE
: a narrow passage or gorge
Examples of DEFILE
- <the cattle, once they were cornered in the defile, were quickly rounded up>
Origin of DEFILE
French défilé, from past participle of défiler
First Known Use: 1685
3de·file
intransitive verb \di-ˈfī(-ə)l, ˈdē-ˌfī(-ə)l\de·filedde·fil·ing
Definition of DEFILE
: to march off in a line
Origin of DEFILE
French défiler, from dé- de- + filer to move in a column — more at file
First Known Use: 1705
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