defilement

American  

[dih-fahyl-muhnt] / dɪˈfaɪl mənt /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nondefilement
  noun

Etymology

Origin of defilement

defile ¹ ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

defilement

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2024

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

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 5, 2024

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 ● Jan. 4, 2023

Whether recalling a family reunion when the misfortune of another relative comes to light or the tragedy that befell the Tills, Wideman is unsettled by the continuing defilement of black life.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 1, 2016

It was simple and, since both Helmholtz and the Savage were dreadfully pained by the shattering and defilement of a favourite poetic crystal, extremely effective.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley