Definition

To walk or march in a line or in a narrow way, often in an orderly manner.

Example

The soldiers had to defile through the narrow passage one by one.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the students defile during the parade?

Yeah, it looked so organized and impressive!

I know! They really seemed to enjoy marching in such a neat line.

Absolutely, it gave the whole event a great atmosphere.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A narrow passage or gorge, often used for marching in a line or for military movement.

Example

The soldiers moved carefully through the defile, aware of the narrow space around them.

Conversation

Have you ever hiked through a defile?

No, I haven't, but it sounds intriguing.

It's like walking through a narrow gorge with stunning views.

Definition

To make something dirty, polluted, or unclean, often in a way that harms its purity or value.

Example

The factory's waste defiled the nearby river, making it unsafe for swimming.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I can't believe how people defile nature without thinking twice.

Right? It's so frustrating to see trash everywhere.

Totally! It's like they don't care about the consequences of defiling our environment.

Root Explanation

Defile → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "filare" (meaning to thread or to spin). The word originally described the act of making something unclean or impure, as if threading it down into dirt or filth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'de-' meaning down or away, and 'filare' meaning to thread — this helps you remember that to defile means to make something dirty or unclean.

Visually Confused Words