What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
violer
Example
He was arrested for violating the terms of his probation. [violate: verb]
Example
She felt violated when a stranger touched her inappropriately. [violated: past participle]
Example
The vandals violated the church by spray-painting graffiti on its walls. [violated: past tense]
defile
Example
The oil spill defiled the once-pristine beach. [defile: verb]
Example
We had to defile a narrow path to reach the summit. [defile: noun]
Example
The tabloid defiled the celebrity's name with false accusations. [defiled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Violate is more commonly used than defile in formal or legal contexts. However, defile is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including non-physical ones.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between violer and defile?
Violate is more formal than defile, which is more commonly used in informal or everyday language.