Pollute: meaning, definitions and examples

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pollute

 

[ pəˈluːt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

environmental

To contaminate or make impure, especially by introducing harmful or toxic substances into the environment.

Synonyms

contaminate, dirty, spoil, taint.

Examples of usage

  • The factory nearby pollutes the river with its waste.
  • Burning fossil fuels pollutes the air we breathe.
  • The plastic bags left on the beach pollute the ocean.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make something dirty or unclean.

Synonyms

contaminate, defile, dirty, sully.

Examples of usage

  • He didn't want to pollute his body with junk food.
  • She didn't want to pollute her mind with negative thoughts.

Translations

Translations of the word "pollute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poluir

🇮🇳 प्रदूषित करना

🇩🇪 verschmutzen

🇮🇩 mencemari

🇺🇦 забруднювати

🇵🇱 zanieczyszczać

🇯🇵 汚染する (osen suru)

🇫🇷 polluer

🇪🇸 contaminar

🇹🇷 kirletmek

🇰🇷 오염시키다 (oyeom sikida)

🇸🇦 يلوث (yulawith)

🇨🇿 znečišťovat

🇸🇰 znečisťovať

🇨🇳 污染 (wūrǎn)

🇸🇮 onesnaževati

🇮🇸 menga

🇰🇿 ластау

🇬🇪 დაბინძურება (dabindzureba)

🇦🇿 çirkləndirmək

🇲🇽 contaminar

Etymology

The word 'pollute' originated from the Latin word 'pollutus', which means 'defiled' or 'unclean'. The concept of pollution has been present throughout history, but it gained significant attention in the 20th century with the rise of industrialization and environmental movements. The detrimental effects of pollution on the planet have led to increased awareness and efforts to reduce pollution levels.

See also: pollutant, polluted, polluter, polluting, pollution.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,227, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.