What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defiled
Example
The river was defiled by the factory's toxic waste. [defiled: verb]
Example
The temple was defiled by the invaders who ransacked it. [defiled: adjective]
desecrate
Example
The vandals desecrated the cemetery by spray-painting graffiti on the tombstones. [desecrated: verb]
Example
The church was desecrated when thieves stole the holy relics. [desecrated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defiled is more commonly used than desecrate in everyday language. Defiled can be used in a wider range of contexts, while desecrate is more specific and often used in religious or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between defiled and desecrate?
Desecrate is more formal than defiled and is typically used in religious or formal contexts. Defiled is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
