defile crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "defile" in your current crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find your solution below, organized by letter count.
Solutions for "defile crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or spoil the purity or perfection of something.
5 Letters
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of; to defile.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often implying a moral or ethical impurity.
DIRTY: To make something unclean or impure.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause to become morally depraved or to alter something from its original pure state.
VIOLATE: To treat (a sacred place or thing) with disrespect or violence; to desecrate.
POLLUTE: To contaminate (water, air, or a place) with harmful or poisonous substances.
9 Letters
DESECRATE: To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; to violate or profane.
More About "defile crossword clue"
"Defile" is a versatile word that can pose a challenge in crosswords due to its multiple meanings and synonyms. Primarily, it's used as a verb meaning to corrupt, pollute, or desecrate. This often leads to answers like SULLY, TAINT, or VIOLATE. The essence of this meaning revolves around diminishing purity, holiness, or integrity.
However, "defile" can also function as a noun, referring to a narrow pass or gorge, especially in a military context. While less common in general crossword clues, it's important to be aware of this secondary meaning if the surrounding clues hint at geographical terms. Understanding both the verb and noun forms, and their respective synonyms, is key to successfully solving related crossword entries.
When encountering "defile" in a crossword, always consider the letter count first, then brainstorm synonyms for both the verb and noun forms. Check the crossing letters to confirm which meaning and answer fit the puzzle's grid. The context of other clues in the puzzle can also provide valuable insight into the intended meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms Broadly: For words like "defile," consider a wide range of synonyms that touch upon pollution, corruption, desecration, or even physical damage.
- Check Word Length: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. Don't guess; use the letters you already have from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Some words, like "defile," have both verb and noun forms, or entirely different definitions. Be open to both interpretations until the grid confirms one.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the puzzle's theme or other clues can hint at whether the answer is related to actions, states, or even geographical features.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'defile' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'defile' most often refers to synonyms related to corrupting, polluting, or desecrating something. It can mean to make something impure, dirty, or to treat a sacred place with disrespect. Less commonly, it might refer to a narrow pass or gorge (as a noun), but the verb meanings are more prevalent.
Are there common letter lengths for 'defile' answers?
Answers for 'defile' can vary significantly in length. Common lengths include 3-letter words like MAR, 5-letter words like SULLY or TAINT, 7-letter words such as CORRUPT or VIOLATE, and longer options like DESECRATE (9 letters).
How can I figure out if 'defile' refers to the verb or noun form in a crossword?
The surrounding clues and the context of the puzzle often provide hints. If other clues point to actions or states of impurity, it's likely the verb. If it's part of a clue about geography or terrain (e.g., 'mountain defile'), it might be the noun. Always consider the word length and crossing letters to narrow down the possibilities.