defile

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de·file1 / diˈfīl/ • v. [tr.] sully, mar, or spoil. ∎  desecrate or profane (something sacred). ∎ archaic violate the chastity of (a woman).DERIVATIVES: de·file·ment n.de·fil·er n.de·file2 / diˈfīl; ˈdēˌfīl/ • n. a steep-sided, narrow gorge or passage (originally one requiring troops to march in single file).• v. [intr.] archaic (of troops) march in single file: we emerged after defiling through the mountainsides.

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