defiles 1 of 2

noun

plural of defile
as in ravines
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage the cattle, once they were cornered in the defile, were quickly rounded up

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defiles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of defile
1
as in pollutes
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable supplies of meat that had been defiled by maggots

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2
as in violates
to treat (a sacred place or object) shamefully or with great disrespect art conservators were careful not to do anything that might defile the holy relic

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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 defiles
Verb
Moral and intellectual descent is inherent in a political project that sets out to undermine liberal democracy, reject the inclusive egalitarianism of modern America, find enemies to demonize, and heroize a leader who defiles common decency. — George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiles
  1. ravines
  2. pollutes
  3. violates
  4. canyons
  5. gorges
  6. valleys
Noun
  • Rising from near the Aegean coast to 9,573-foot Mytikas, Greece’s highest peak, the mountain encompasses forests, ravines, limestone cliffs, and alpine habitat with unusually rich plant diversity.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Hundreds, thousands of solar panels are distributed like macropixels among ravines, pampas, slopes, and wherever there’s room for them.
    — Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
Definition of ravines
Verb
  • The usual analogy is that generative AI and LLMs are akin to a factory that pollutes local waters.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Chenab River runs red with blood while poison pollutes the five rivers of Punjab and spreads through the fertile soil.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
Definition of pollutes
Verb
  • The money could be forfeited if the company violates its contractual agreement.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The students are challenging those actions in federal court, arguing that FIU's policy – and its application to their silent demonstration – violates their First Amendment rights.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of violates
Noun
  • Towering mountains, gnarly canyons, expansive grasslands and deep forests.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Canine teams also have been used in the search through steep canyons and dense vegetation.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of canyons
Noun
  • Riders pass waterfalls, deep gorges, alpine lakes, historic sites, and sweeping mountain views while climbing nearly 3,000 feet.
    — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The outdoorsy traveler hiking the gorges in Crete or the trails in Andros should bring a pair of sturdy shoes, a hat for sun protection, and tons of SPF.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 July 2026
Definition of gorges
Noun
  • Ahmad grew up in Kashmir, a region in India’s northwest abutting the Himalayas, replete with vast valleys, glassy mountain lakes, and purple iris and cyan forget-me-nots.
    — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hundreds of researchers at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory have observed changes including fewer bees and other pollinators, and sagebrush encroaching in valleys once dominated by wildflowers.
    — Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of valleys

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defilements
defiles
defiling
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Cite this Entry

“Defiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiles. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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