Which of the following is a synonym for 'sully'?

The word 'sully' means to tarnish, spoil, or make something dirty, particularly in a moral or figurative sense. It often refers to the act of damaging someone's reputation or polluting something that was once pure.

In this context, the word 'defile' closely aligns with the meaning of 'sully,' as it also implies making something dirty or unclean, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. It suggests tarnishing purity or cleanliness, which directly connects to the conceptual essence of sullying something.

The other choices—'purify,' 'enhance,' and 'preserve'—hold meanings that are contrary to 'sully.' 'Purify' means to make clean or free from contaminants. 'Enhance' refers to improving or increasing the quality of something. 'Preserve' means to maintain something in its original or existing state, protecting it from decay or damage. Thus, while 'defile' is synonymous with 'sully,' the other terms do not share this negative connotation and instead suggest positive actions or outcomes.