befoul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “befoul” mean?
to make something dirty or polluted, especially in a way that is morally or physically offensive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to make something dirty or polluted, especially in a way that is morally or physically offensive
to corrupt, defile, or sully something's purity or reputation
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; slightly more common in British historical/literary contexts
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of pollution and defilement in both varieties
Frequency
Rare in both varieties, with very low corpus frequency; slightly higher occurrence in British environmental discourse
Grammar
How to Use “befoul” in a Sentence
befoul + direct object (transitive)befoul + oneself (reflexive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “befoul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The factory's discharge befouled the river for miles downstream.
- He didn't want to befoul his family's good name.
American English
- The scandal befouled the politician's entire career.
- They were accused of befouling the national debate with lies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in discussions about corporate reputation damage
Academic
Occasional in environmental studies, ethics, or literary analysis
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound formal or archaic
Technical
Occasional in environmental science reports
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “befoul”
- Using in casual contexts where 'dirty' would suffice
- Misspelling as 'befowl' (bird-related)
- Incorrect preposition: 'befoul with' (correct) vs. 'befoul by' (incorrect)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Still in use but primarily in formal, literary, or technical contexts; rare in everyday conversation.
Yes, commonly—often referring to reputation, morals, or abstract concepts rather than physical dirt.
'Befoul' is more emotional/negative and often implies deliberate action; 'pollute' is more neutral/technical.
Rarely used, but 'befoulment' exists as a noun meaning the act or result of befouling.
to make something dirty or polluted, especially in a way that is morally or physically offensive.
Befoul is usually formal, literary in register.
Befoul: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈfaʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈfaʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “befoul one's own nest”
- “befoul the waters”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BE + FOUL → imagine something BEcoming FOUL and disgusting
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL CORRUPTION IS PHYSICAL FILTH
Practice
Quiz
Which context is LEAST appropriate for 'befoul'?