Pollutes Meaning in English
word · lemma: pollute
Definition
To make air, water, or land dirty or unsafe by adding harmful substances to it.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used for unwanted or harmful substances in the environment ('smoke pollutes the air'). It’s formal and common in scientific, news, and environmental contexts. People, companies, and machines can all be subjects ('The factory pollutes'). Don’t confuse with 'contaminates' (broader use).
Example Sentences
The trash from the factory pollutes the river.
basic
Smoke from cars pollutes the air in the city.
basic
Plastic pollutes the ocean and harms animals.
basic
Even a small leak from a boat pollutes the lake for years.
natural
Too much fertilizer on farms pollutes nearby water supplies.
natural
He doesn’t realize that pouring oil down the drain pollutes the whole neighborhood.
natural