befoul

[bih-foul]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dirty or filthy; soil; defile; sully.

   a bird that befouls its own nest.

befoul

/ bɪˈfaʊl /

verb

1. (tr) to make dirty or foul; soil; defile

Other Word Forms

• befouler noun
• befoulment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of befoul¹

First recorded in 1275–1325, befoul is from the Middle English word bi-foulen. See be-, foul

Example Sentences

The putrid chamber drama becomes a fantasia, befouled rags turn into tuxedo pants and it’s finally safe to belt how they feel.

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And the latest migra ad befouling L.A.-area television stations is the most pathetic — and chilling — one yet.

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I asked the four if creating a super PAC — long decried by good government types as befouling democracy — violated their values.

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But then, Samir said that the ghosts would never risk stealing our breath because Rasseem was with us, and his breath could befoul the afterlife.

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Trump is scared out of his befouled shorts.

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