
Defile
Moral Implications
Using 'defile' suggests a strong moral judgment about the action.

The company's illegal dumping has defiled the once pristine lake.
Gravity of Action
'Defile' indicates an action that seriously harms purity or cleanliness.

The graffiti artist defiled the monument with vulgar images.
Not Physical Only
While often physical, 'defile' can refer to intangible things like honor or air quality.

The politician's lies defiled the dignity of the office.
Compare with
ContaminateCorruptDebaseDefaceDesecratePolluteProfaneSpoilTaintViolate
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