Contaminates Meaning in English

word · lemma: contaminate

US

kənˈtæməˌneɪts

kuhn-TAM-uh-nayts

UK

kəntˈæmɪnˌeɪts

kuhn-TAM-in-ayts

Definition

To make something dirty, impure, or harmful by adding a dangerous or unwanted substance.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both scientific and everyday contexts, commonly with water, air, or food ("contaminates the water"). Implies the presence of something harmful. Often used in formal or neutral situations.

• Spanish: contamina
• Portuguese (BR): contamina
• Portuguese (PT): contamina
• Chinese (Simplified): 污染
• Chinese (Traditional): 污染
• Hindi: दूषित करता है
• Arabic: يلوث
• Bengali: দূষিত করে - অপবিত্র করে
• Russian: загрязняет - заражает
• Japanese: 汚染する - 汚す
• Vietnamese: làm ô nhiễm - làm nhiễm bẩn
• Korean: 오염시키다
• Turkish: kirletir - bulaştırır
• Urdu: آلودہ کرتا ہے
• Indonesian: mencemari - mengotori

Example Sentences

Dumping waste contaminates the river.

basic

Oil from the factory contaminates the soil.

basic

Plastic waste contaminates the ocean.

basic

Sometimes even a tiny bit of lead contaminates drinking water.

natural

Leaving the lid off the pot contaminates the food if there are flies around.

natural

Sometimes one bad apple really contaminates the whole batch.

natural