defilement

[ dih-fahyl-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of making something foul, dirty, or unclean:

   Humankind's destruction and defilement of the natural environment is seriously endangering the continuation of life on this planet.

2. the violation of something considered sacred, or the act of making something ceremonially impure; desecration:

   I want to express our profound disgust and contempt for the recent defilement of the mosque by graffiti.

3. the act of violating a person’s chastity:

   The Lagos state government has approved the use of a toll-free emergency line to report cases of rape, defilement, child abuse, and other sexual assaults.

Other Words From

• non·de·file·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defilement¹

defile ¹( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

Stepping out of the car, she was “completely shocked” by the defilement.

From Los Angeles Times

“To allow Plaintiffs to exploit that series of circumstances to their benefit by obtaining those photographs now adds a second defilement to the first,” the company concluded in the filing, the Mail Online reported.

From Los Angeles Times

It was and is a project of displacement and defilement meant to reverse progress and shame the proponents of that progress.

From Seattle Times

It called for join efforts to combat "violent acts of defilement against sacred sites" and to create a safer, more respectful and tolerant environment in Jerusalem, which is revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims.

From BBC

“And I will pour upon you pure water,” Lev recited from Ezekiel, “and you will be purified of all your defilements.”

From Literature