defile vs sully

defile is a noun but sully is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defile	Yes	No	Yes	No
sully	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defile and sully are synonyms defined as:

defile and sully: make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

Other synonyms of defile include maculate, stain, tarnish.

As verbs, defile and sully are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of defile include cloud, corrupt, taint.

defile (noun)	sully (noun)
a narrow pass (especially one between mountains)

defile (verb)	sully (verb)
spot, stain, or pollute	charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically	make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
place under suspicion or cast doubt upon	place under suspicion or cast doubt upon