defile
verb
1. place under suspicion or cast doubt upon
Similar word(s): cloud, corrupt, sully, taint
Definition categories: contact, deflower, impair, mar, spoil, vitiate
2. make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
Similar word(s): maculate, stain, sully, tarnish
Definition categories: contact, blob, blot, fleck, spot
3. spot, stain, or pollute
- The townspeople defiled the river by emptying raw sewage into it
Similar word(s): befoul, foul, maculate
Definition categories: change, attaint, disgrace, dishonor, dishonour, shame