also: けがす
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
make dirty; soil; stain; pollute
Only with reading よごす
Physical soiling or contamination of objects, surfaces, or environments. The reading is よごす.
泥で服を汚してしまった。
I got my clothes dirty with mud.
工場の排水が川
Factory wastewater polluted the river.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
Figurative use: to tarnish reputation, honor, or sacred things. Often read けがす, especially in literary or formal contexts. The reading よごす is also possible but less common for this sense.
彼の不正がチームの名誉を汚した。
His misconduct disgraced the team's honor.
神聖な場所をけがす行為は許されない。
Acts that defile a sacred place are unforgivable.