contaminate
word
Definition
To make something dirty, harmful, or dangerous by adding a substance that is not supposed to be there.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for pollution of water, food, or air. Common collocations: 'contaminate the water supply', 'contaminated food'. Generally formal or scientific; avoid confusing with 'infect' (disease spread) or 'pollute' (broader environmental sense).
Spanish: contaminarPortuguese (BR): contaminarPortuguese (PT): contaminarChinese (Simplified): 污染Chinese (Traditional): 污染Hindi: प्रदूषित करनाArabic: يُلوِّث
Example Sentences
Oil spills can contaminate the ocean.
basic
Chemicals can contaminate the river.
basic
Do not contaminate the food with dirty hands.
basic
If you leave meat out too long, bacteria can quickly contaminate it.
natural
Don’t let the clean water contaminate with dirty water.
natural
Careless handling in the lab could easily contaminate the samples.
natural