defile

How to Split "defile" into Syllables

The word defile is divided into 3 syllables: de·fi·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• de — 1st syllable
• fi — 2nd syllable
• le — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of defile:

• IPA: /dɪˈfaɪl/

📖 Definitions

1. To make (someone or something) physically dirty or unclean; to befoul, to soil.
2. To make (someone or something) morally impure or unclean; to corrupt, to tarnish.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Late Middle English defilen (“to make dirty, befoul; rape; abuse; destroy; injure; oppress”) [and other forms], a variant of defoulen (“to make dirty, defile, pollute; have sexual intercourse with; rape; etc.”) (compare also defoilen). Defoulen is a blend of Middle English foulen (“to make dirty, soil, pollute”) (from the adjective foul (“dirty, rotten, stinking, corrupt, sinful, guilty”) and Old English fūlian (“to decay”)), and Old French defoler, defouler (“to tram...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down defile into syllables helps with:

• Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
• Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
• Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
• Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
• Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare defile with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
defile	3	de·fi·le
devalue	3	de-va-lue
dabble	1	dabble
deathblow	1	deathblow
dibble	1	dibble

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to defile:

def, deft, defy, defer, Defoe, defog, deface, defame.