Cesspool: meaning, definitions and examples

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cesspool

[ˈsɛsˌpuːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

dirty environment

A cesspool is a filthy and unpleasant place, typically used to describe a dirty environment or situation.

Synonyms

cesspit, dump, pit, sewer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cesspool	Use 'cesspool' when referring to a place filled with filth or corruption, often used metaphorically to describe a morally corrupt environment. Many consider the political world to be a cesspool of betrayal and corruption. The abandoned building became a cesspool of illegal activities over the years.
sewer	Use 'sewer' to refer specifically to an underground conduit for carrying off drainage water and waste. It is also used to describe something extremely dirty or corrupt. The rainwater flowed into the city's sewer system. The corrupt organization was a sewer of deceit and dishonesty.
pit	A 'pit' commonly refers to a large hole in the ground. It can also metaphorically refer to a situation that feels like a difficult or inescapable condition. They dug a pit in the backyard for the new tree. He felt like he was stuck in a pit of despair with no escape.
dump	The word 'dump' is best used to describe a place where garbage is taken and discarded. It can also refer to a dreary, neglected place. They took the broken furniture to the local dump. The abandoned building looked like a dump; it was dirty and run-down.
cesspit	This word is similar to 'cesspool' and can be used interchangeably. It often denotes a literal pit for sewage or metaphorically signifies a place of filth and corruption. The old factory site was a cesspit of toxic waste and chemicals. Her office, filled with malicious gossip and deceit, was a cesspit of negativity.

Examples of usage

The abandoned house had become a cesspool of trash and debris.
The corrupt politician's office was described as a cesspool of deceit and betrayal.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

metaphorical

In a metaphorical sense, a cesspool is used to describe a place or situation that is morally corrupt or socially degraded.

Synonyms

morass, quagmire, sinkhole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cesspool	Used to describe a literal pit used for the disposal of sewage and waste or metaphorically to depict a place or situation filled with filth or corruption. The backyard had a hidden cesspool from the old septic system. The company was a cesspool of corruption and fraud.
morass	Refers to a complicated or confusing situation that is difficult to escape or resolve, often used metaphorically. The project turned into a morass of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape. She found herself in a moral morass, unsure of the right path to take.
quagmire	Describes a difficult, complicated, or hazardous situation from which it is hard to escape, often with a sense of being stuck. Can also describe literal swampy ground. The military operation turned into a quagmire, with no easy way out. After the heavy rain, the path became a quagmire, making walking very difficult.
sinkhole	Primarily refers to a depression or hole in the ground caused by collapse of the surface layer, but can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where resources or efforts are continuously drained with little return. A huge sinkhole appeared in the middle of the road after the storm. The project became a financial sinkhole, absorbing more money than it generated.

Examples of usage

The company's toxic work environment was described as a cesspool of harassment and discrimination.
The internet can sometimes be a cesspool of hate speech and misinformation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cesspool' comes from the French 'caisse' meaning box or receptacle, combined with 'pool' which refers to a small body of water.
Earlier forms of the term were used to describe any container for collecting waste.
In the Middle Ages, cesspools were commonly dug near homes to handle waste before modern plumbing.

Health and Sanitation

Cesspools can be breeding grounds for bacteria and pests, posing health risks to nearby residents.
Many regions have regulated cesspools to prevent contamination of groundwater and public resources.
The construction of modern sewage systems has largely replaced cesspools in urban areas, leading to better sanitation.

Literature and Language

Cesspool often appears in literature as a symbol of moral decay or corruption.
Phrases like 'cesspool of corruption' describe places or situations overflowing with unethical behavior.
The imagery of a cesspool can be used metaphorically in poetry to evoke feelings of despair and disgust.

Environmental Impact

Improperly maintained cesspools can leak harmful substances into the soil, affecting local ecosystems.
They have been gradually phased out in favor of more environmentally-friendly septic systems and waste treatment plants.
Education about cesspool management is important in preventing pollution and protecting natural water sources.

Cultural References

In popular media, cesspools are often depicted as places of waste, both literally and figuratively, such as in horror or dystopian films.
The term is sometimes used in political commentary to discuss environments perceived as corrupt or disordered.
Cesspool imagery can be found in music and art to represent discomfort or societal issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "cesspool" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fossa séptica

🇮🇳 गंदा तालाब

🇩🇪 Kloake

🇮🇩 septi tank

🇺🇦 вигрібна яма

🇵🇱 szambo

🇯🇵 浄化槽

🇫🇷 fosse septique

🇪🇸 pozo negro

🇹🇷 foseptik

🇰🇷 정화조

🇸🇦 بالوعة

🇨🇿 žumpa

🇸🇰 žumpa

🇨🇳 粪池

🇸🇮 greznica

🇮🇸 skólpræsi

🇰🇿 күл-қоқыс шұңқыры

🇬🇪 სეპტიკური ტანკი

🇦🇿 çirkab çəni

🇲🇽 pozo negro

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,286, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27283 tautology
27284 interweaving
27285 erupting
27286 cesspool
27287 buttery
27288 carded
27289 decanter
...