befouling
Rendering something impure
Befouling is the act of making something foul or dirty—polluting, contaminating, or defiling it.
The word applies to physical contamination ships befouling the harbor with oil and figurative corruption befouling someone's reputation.
It carries a stronger sense of disgust than simply dirtying or soiling.
Ground matter for planting
- sullyDamage one's standing
- polluteMake impure harmfully
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- adulterateCorrupt by adding impurities
spoil · taint · stain · dirty · muddy · infect · tarnish · blemish
Violation of the hallowed
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- dishonorLoss of respect
- blasphemeInsult the divine
vandalize · despoil · deface · corrupt · sully · irreverence · abomination · impiety
Substances released into air
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
- contaminantsUnwelcome substances in something pure
sewage · fumes · industrial waste · oil spill · runoff · pesticides · chemicals · acid rain
Dishonest abuse of power
- impuritySubstance degrading another's quality
- stainLasting surface discoloration
- blightPlant disease causing decay
- spoilageFood degradation process
adulteration · discoloration · tarnish · debasement · contamination · reputation · character · purity
soil
Ground matter for planting
adulterate · spoil · taint · stain · dirty · muddy · infect · tarnish · blemish · smirch
sacrilege
Violation of the hallowed
blaspheme · vandalize · despoil · deface · corrupt · sully · irreverence · abomination · impiety · profanation
emissions
Substances released into air
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
contaminants · sewage · fumes · industrial waste · oil spill · runoff · pesticides · chemicals · acid rain · particulates
corruption
Dishonest abuse of power
- impuritySubstance degrading another's quality
- stainLasting surface discoloration
- blightPlant disease causing decay
spoilage · adulteration · discoloration · tarnish · debasement · contamination · reputation · character · purity · integrity
befoulingpurifying
Removing unwanted substances
cleansing · cleaning · sanitizing · purging · decontaminating
befoulingsanctifying
Making sacred or holy
purifying · consecrating · hallowing · blessing · redeeming
foul, defile, fouled, fouls, contaminate, foulness, befoul, fouling, befouled