befouls
Renders utterly unclean
Befouls means makes foul or dirty, pollutes.
The word is uncommon and sounds literary or archaic: Industrial waste befouls the river.
It can extend to moral corruption—something that befouls a reputation taints or defiles it.
Make impure harmfully
- taintMake impure
- infectTransmit pathogens to
- spoilDamage or overindulge
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
adulterate · putrefy · decay · fester · septic · unsanitary · pathogens · bacteria
Violate what's sacred
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- degradeLower in standing
- sullyDamage one's standing
dishonor · blaspheme · vandalize · despoil · debase · besmirch · soil · dirty
Lasting surface discoloration
- sullyDamage one's standing
- blemishVisible flaw or mark
- marSpoil the appearance
- blotMark left by spillage
blacken · smirch · spoil · discolor · muddy · cloud · darken · dim
Sunlight-activated urban pollution
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- pollutantsHarmful environmental substances
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- sewageLiquid refuse in drains
oil spill · industrial waste · toxic runoff · contaminate · waterways · groundwater · air quality · water pollution
pollute
Make impure harmfully
corrupt · adulterate · putrefy · decay · fester · septic · unsanitary · pathogens · bacteria · toxins
desecrate
Violate what's sacred
sully · dishonor · blaspheme · vandalize · despoil · debase · besmirch · soil · dirty · disrespect
stain
Lasting surface discoloration
blot · blacken · smirch · spoil · discolor · muddy · cloud · darken · dim · soil
smog
Sunlight-activated urban pollution
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- pollutantsHarmful environmental substances
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
sewage · oil spill · industrial waste · toxic runoff · contaminate · waterways · groundwater · air quality · water pollution · chemical dumping
befoulscleanses
Frees from dirt
purifies · cleans · sanitizes · decontaminates · disinfects
befoulspurifies
Removes unwanted substances
sanctifies · consecrates · hallows · cleanses · ennobles