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Contaminating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contaminating

[kənˈtæmɪneɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

environmental impact

Contaminating refers to the act of making something impure or unsuitable by contact with something unclean or harmful. It often denotes pollution of air, water, or soil with harmful substances, compromising health and safety.

Synonyms

fouling, infecting, polluting, tainting.

Examples of usage

  • The factory's waste was contaminating the nearby river.
  • Improper disposal of chemicals can lead to contaminating the groundwater.
  • Contaminating sources can pose serious health risks to communities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Contaminating our water supply can lead to serious health issues, making water unsafe to drink.
  • Various pollutants, like plastics and chemicals, enter ecosystems and can contaminate food sources and habitats.

Health

  • Infectious diseases can spread through contaminated surfaces, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in public health.
  • Foodborne illnesses often arise from consuming contaminated food, highlighting the need for safe food handling.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict contamination, like in horror movies where a virus spreads, emphasizing fear of the unknown.
  • Songs and books have long addressed themes of contamination, either literally or metaphorically, often discussing social or emotional impurity.

Psychology

  • The concept of contamination can extend to emotions, where negative experiences can influence our state of mind.
  • In behavioral psychology, the fear of contamination is a key feature of certain anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Origin of 'contaminating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contaminare,' which means 'to make impure' or 'to pollute.'
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, originally used in a more general sense of corrupting or spoiling.

The word 'contaminate' comes from the Latin 'contaminare', which means 'to make unclean, to pollute'. It is formed from the prefix 'con-', meaning 'together' or 'with', and 'taminare', derived from 'tam', meaning 'to touch'. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially in the context of spiritual pollution or moral contamination. Over time, its usage expanded to include physical impurities, particularly related to environmental and health issues. Today, contaminating is frequently used in discussions about pollution, public health, and safety, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of human activities on the environment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,777, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.