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saṅkilesaṁ

saṅkilesa

accusative singular masculine of saṅkilesa (noun)

1. defilement
2. corruption
3. stain

Built from

• saṁ — prefix · together
  Brings things into one collected state; here intensifies the force of defilement as a unified corruption.
• kilesa — root · defilement
  From √klis 'to trouble, afflict'; denotes mental stains, hindrances, and taints (greed, hatred, delusion, etc.) that obscure wisdom.

Analysis. saṁ + kilesa: 'bringing together' (saṁ-) defiling things (kilesa), hence a collective defilement or corruption that clouds the mind.

Etymology. saṁ (together) + kilesa (defilement, from √klis 'to trouble, afflict'). The prefix saṁ- intensifies kilesa from individual defilements to their accumulated, binding force in the mind. Cognate with Greek klyzo 'to wash, drench' (opposite sense), and English 'clean'.

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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