Definition of defile

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< defilade

defile >

de·file ¹    (d-fl) KEY  

TRANSITIVE VERB:
de·filed , de·fil·ing , de·files

1. To make filthy or dirty; pollute: defile a river with sewage.
2. To debase the pureness or excellence of; corrupt: a country landscape that was defiled by urban sprawl.
3. To profane or sully (a reputation, for example).
4. To make unclean or unfit for ceremonial use; desecrate: defile a temple.
5. To violate the chastity of.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English defilen, alteration (influenced by filen, to befoul, from Old English flan; see p- in Indo-European roots), of defoulen, to trample on, abuse, pollute from Old French defouler, to trample, full cloth : de-, de- + fouler, to trample, beat down ; see full ²

OTHER FORMS:
de·filement (Noun), de·filer (Noun), de·filing·ly (Adverb)

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