befoul
Render thoroughly unclean
To befoul is to make foul or dirty—to pollute, contaminate, or defile.
The word appears in both literal and figurative contexts: Industrial waste befouled the river.
One can befoul a reputation or befoul someone's name.
The word sounds literary or elevated, suggesting deliberate corruption rather than mere messiness.
Violate what's sacred
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- contaminateMake unclean or unsafe
- degradeLower in standing
dishonor · sully · debase · taint · besmirch · corrupt · pervert · spoil
Spoken false defamation
- defameHarm reputation falsely
- smearSpread or defame
- vilifyAttack someone's reputation
- denigrateCriticize unfairly to harm
discredit · disgrace · tarnish · besmirch · calumny · libel · malign · disparage
Ground matter for planting
- stainLasting surface discoloration
- filthFoul, accumulated matter
- grimeIngrained surface dirt
- muckFilthy wet dirt
mud · smear · spatter · smudge · grease · dirt · excrement · mire
Make unclean or unsafe
- sewageLiquid refuse in drains
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- emissionsSubstances released into air
smog · industrial waste · oil spill · pesticides · runoff · heavy metals · radioactive waste · acid rain
desecrate
Violate what's sacred
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- contaminateMake unclean or unsafe
degrade · dishonor · sully · debase · taint · besmirch · corrupt · pervert · spoil · pollute
slander
Spoken false defamation
denigrate · discredit · disgrace · tarnish · besmirch · calumny · libel · malign · disparage · blacken
soil
Ground matter for planting
muck · mud · smear · spatter · smudge · grease · dirt · excrement · mire · slime
contaminate
Make unclean or unsafe
emissions · smog · industrial waste · oil spill · pesticides · runoff · heavy metals · radioactive waste · acid rain · particulates