# defile

**Pronunciation:** /dɪˈfaɪl/ · dih-FY-l

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** noun

## Meaning 1: Geography

A narrow pass or gorge between mountains, often restricting movement.

## Examples

- The troops were ambushed in the narrow defile.
- They navigated the treacherous defile with great care.
- The defile served as a natural defensive barrier.

## Meaning 2: Action

To spoil the purity or sanctity of something; to desecrate.

## Examples

- The graffiti seemed to defile the ancient monument.
- He felt that his actions would defile his family's honor.
- They accused the protesters of attempting to defile the sacred site.

## Meaning 3: Action

To make or become unclean; to pollute.

## Examples

- The oil spill continued to defile the river.
- He refused to defile his hands with such a dirty task.
- The factory's waste defiled the local water supply.

## Synonyms

- gorge — A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
- pass — A route through mountains or hills.
- canyon — A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
- ravine — A deep, narrow gorge formed by erosion.

## Antonyms

- plain — An extensive area of flat, open land.
- expanse — A wide, open area.

## Common patterns

- defile between — A narrow pass situated between two geographical features. — The path led through a defile between two steep cliffs.
- defile of — A narrow pass belonging to or characterized by a specific geographical feature. — They entered the defile of the great canyon.

## Collocations

- narrow defile — The army advanced through the narrow defile.
- treacherous defile — They had to cross a treacherous defile.
- mountain defile — The pass was a critical mountain defile.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/defiled

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)