defilement

Definition of defilementnext
1
as in desecration
an act of great disrespect shown to God or to sacred ideas, people, or things for two centuries the Christian monasteries in England suffered defilements at the hands of Viking invaders

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2
as in contamination
something that is or that makes impure souvenir shops, observation towers, and other tacky defilements on Civil War battlefields that should be considered hallowed ground

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defilement In this way, Lapid keeps the emotional aspect of Y’s self-defilement at the forefront of the drama. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defilement
Noun
  • The Tesla’s desecration follows a vandalism spree in Queens that saw religious centers, homes and vehicles defiled with swastikas and antisemitic slogans last month.
    Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law.
    Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Without effective cleaning and sanitizing, these contaminants can be difficult to remove and may increase the risk of cross-contamination.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026
  • As mentioned, the four-color Benchy demonstrated accurate color registration with minimal visible contamination between color transitions.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Lawyers in the gas station lawsuit assert that technology is enabling antitrust violations.
    Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Seventy-five chemicals and four chemical groups (microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS chemicals, and disinfection byproducts) were listed on the 2026 contaminant list.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Hazardous materials crews also responded because of concerns that water used to fight the fire could carry chemicals and other contaminants into nearby storm drains.
    Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • This was a weak case for blasphemy.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • The president later removed the post in the face of outrage and accusations of blasphemy.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The material can power reactions such as oxidizing organic molecules, potentially degrading pollutants, sterilizing surfaces, or enabling photocatalytic chemistry to continue later in the dark.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The electoral authority based the candidate bans on a law against corrupt practices that in previous years saw some parliamentary seats bought with money linked to drug trafficking, corruption and tax evasion.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Seems like far too many appreciate this type of corruption, and making money on SM for lies, is precisely that.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • That’s sacrilege on par with an Ohioan disowning football or a Texan recoiling at the smell of brisket, a Kentuckian thumbing his nose at college basketball.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 2026
  • Sure, Texans are very hospitable, but playing anything other than country music over the speakers is normally considered sacrilege in that establishment.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Defilement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defilement. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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