Polluter: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a person, company, or entity that actively causes pollution.

• The factory is a major polluter in the area, releasing tons of waste into the river.
• The new regulations aim to reduce the number of polluters harming the environment.

Refers to someone or something that introduces contaminants into an environment, often used in a health or safety context.

• The unregulated disposal site acted as a contaminator of groundwater.
• Food safety inspectors identified the primary contaminator that led to the outbreak.

Frequently used in a figurative sense to describe someone or something that ruins or diminishes the quality of something else, such as a movie plot, sports event, or plans. It has a negative connotation.

• Don't be a spoiler and reveal the ending of the movie!
• One player's negative attitude acted as a spoiler for the whole team's morale.

Commonly used to describe the harmful materials themselves that cause pollution, such as chemicals or waste products.

• Lead is a dangerous pollutant that can cause serious health problems.
• Air pollutants have a significant impact on climate change.

Used when referring to someone or something that harms the environment by introducing pollutants.

• The factory was named the biggest polluter in the region.
• Polluters must be held accountable for the damage they cause.

Used when referring to a person or entity that causes moral or ethical degradation, often in politics or business.

• The high-ranking official was found to be a corrupter of justice.
• Corporate corrupters undermine the integrity of the industry.

Used when describing someone or something that desecrates or violates something sacred or pure. This has a strong negative connotation.

• The ancient tomb was destroyed by defilers.
• Many saw the act as a defiling of their sacred land.