defilement crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and need help with the "defilement crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the solution and complete your crossword.
Solutions for "defilement crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOIL: To make dirty; often used when referring to physical defilement or staining.
5 Letters
TAINT: To contaminate or spoil; implies a slight corruption or moral defilement, often affecting reputation.
9 Letters
POLLUTION: The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects, a common form of environmental defilement.
10 Letters
CORRUPTION: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery; also moral deterioration or the decay of something pure, fitting for moral defilement.
11 Letters
DESECRATION: The act of treating a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect or contempt; a very specific and strong form of defilement concerning hallowed objects or sites.
More About "defilement crossword clue"
"Defilement" is a multifaceted word that can refer to physical impurity, moral corruption, or the desecration of something sacred. In crosswords, its clue can lead to a wide array of synonyms depending on the specific context implied by the puzzle setter. Recognizing the subtle nuances between making something dirty (like 'soil') versus corrupting something morally (like 'corruption') or violating something sacred (like 'desecration') is crucial for picking the correct answer.
This clue often tests a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to infer context. Sometimes, the length of the word in the grid will be your strongest hint, guiding you towards a shorter, more general synonym or a longer, more specific term. Keep an eye out for adjoining clues or theme indicators in the puzzle that might point towards a particular interpretation of 'defilement'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: The word "defilement" can mean physical dirt, moral corruption, or the violation of something sacred. Always check surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme for context that points to the specific meaning intended by the setter.
- Leverage Letter Count: If the grid demands a short word for 'defilement', think of answers like "SOIL" or "TAINT". For longer solutions, consider terms like "POLLUTION," "CORRUPTION," or "DESECRATION," which have more specific connotations.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Before looking up answers, try to brainstorm words related to spoiling, contaminating, corrupting, making impure, or violating. This practice improves your vocabulary and crossword-solving skills over time.
- Consider Parts of Speech: While "defilement" is a noun, related clues might ask for a verb (e.g., 'to defile') or an adjective (e.g., 'defiled'), requiring you to adapt your thinking to different word forms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "defilement" and "contamination" in crosswords?
While often interchangeable, "contamination" usually refers to physical impurity, such as harmful substances, whereas "defilement" can also imply moral or spiritual impurity, making it a broader term in crossword clues.
How can I tell if "defilement" refers to a physical or moral act in a crossword clue?
Look at the clue's tone and other words in the phrase. Clues related to churches or sacred places often point to desecration (spiritual defilement), while those about water or air point to pollution (physical defilement). The source or object being defiled is often a strong indicator.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "defilement" answers?
Not typically for single-word answers directly to "defilement" itself. The solutions are usually direct synonyms. However, if the clue implies an action (e.g., "to defile"), verbs like "despoil" or "corrupt" might be the answers. Solutions that are states of being defiled might end in common noun suffixes like '-ation' (e.g., 'desecration', 'pollution').