What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defile
Example
The hikers followed the defile through the mountains to reach the other side. [defile: noun]
Example
The company was fined for defiling the river by dumping toxic waste into it. [defiling: present participle]
desecrate
Example
The vandals desecrated the church by spray-painting graffiti on the walls. [desecrated: past tense]
Example
The soldiers were accused of desecrating the ancient ruins during their occupation. [desecrating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desecrate is more commonly used than defile in everyday language. Desecrate is often used in news reports and legal contexts, while defile is less commonly used and has a narrower range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defile and desecrate?
Desecrate is generally considered more formal than defile. While defile can be used in both formal and informal contexts, desecrate is often used in legal or religious contexts, which tend to be more formal.
