The English language is rich in vocabulary, and it is always interesting to learn new words. One such word is “befoul,” which has a unique meaning and connotation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of befoul, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Befoul is a verb that means to make something dirty, polluted, or impure. It can also mean to tarnish someone’s reputation or character by spreading false or damaging information about them.
Origin
The word befoul has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled “befulan.” The prefix “be-” means “to make,” and the root word “fulan” means “foul.” Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word changed, but its meaning remained the same.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, befoul means “to make dirty or impure.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to make dirty, to soil, to defile.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “to make something dirty, polluted, or impure.”
Associations
Befoul is often associated with negative connotations, such as pollution, dirt, and impurity. It is also associated with damaging someone’s reputation or character by spreading false or damaging information about them.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of befoul include contaminate, pollute, defile, soil, tarnish, and besmirch.
Antonyms
Antonyms of befoul include purify, cleanse, sanitize, and decontaminate.
The same root words
The root word of befoul is “foul,” which means dirty, unclean, or impure. Other words with the same root include foulness, foul-smelling, foul-mouthed, and foul play.
Example Sentences
- The factory’s waste products befoul the nearby river, making it unsafe for swimming and fishing.
- The politician’s opponents tried to befoul his reputation by spreading false rumors about him.
- The careless hiker befouled the trail by leaving litter and human waste behind.
- The chef refused to serve the befouled food to his customers, knowing that it would make them sick.
- The polluted air befouled the city, causing respiratory problems for its residents.