Made unclean or impure, either physically or morally; desecrated or corrupted.
From Old French defouler (to trample), combining de- (down) + fouler (to trample). The meaning shifted from physical trampling to spiritual or moral corruption.
The same root 'fouler' gives us 'foul'—both mean to damage purity, whether trampling a field, fouling the air, or defiling sacred ground, showing how violence and corruption are linguistically twins.
Historically applied almost exclusively to women's sexuality and honor. Reflects patriarchal frameworks where women's value hinges on sexual purity, not men's.
Use for contaminated objects/spaces neutrally. Avoid for human sexuality; examine whether language polices women's autonomy.
["contaminated","violated","corrupted","damaged"]
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