verb
pollute
puh-LOOT/pəˈluːt/
To make something dirty, impure, or harmful by adding damaging substances or influences.
Chemicals from the factory pollute the river and harm fish.
Etymology
The Latin verb meant to soil or defile. English first used the word for violating sanctity or ceremonial cleanliness, then extended it to physical fouling and environmental contamination.
In context
will pollute our Waters our water comes out of the lake and out of the ground pure than the national standards for drinking water
More examples
- Leaking fuel has polluted the soil around the tank.
- Cigarette smoke pollutes the air inside the apartment.
- False claims pollute the debate and make honest discussion harder.
Forms
pollute · pollutes · polluted · polluting
pollution noun — Harmful substances introduced into the environment.
polluter noun — A person or organization that causes pollution.
Similar words
- contaminate
- Emphasizes introducing something that makes a substance unsafe or impure.
- taint
- Often suggests spoiling quality or reputation, even slightly.
- foul
- Emphasizes making something filthy, offensive, or unpleasant to use.