Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Pollute

//pəˈluːt// adj, verb

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Polluted; defiled. rare
Verb
  1. 1
    To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product. transitive

    "The factory polluted the river when it cleaned its tanks."

  2. 2
    make impure wordnet
  3. 3
    To make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor. transitive

    "The lights from the stadium polluted the night sky, and we couldn't see the stars."

  4. 4
    To corrupt or profane

    "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death."

  5. 5
    To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonour.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English polluten, borrowed from Latin pollūtum, from pollūtus (“no longer virgin", "unchaste”), perfect passive participle of polluō (“soil", "defile", "dishonor”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English polluten, borrowed from Latin pollūtum, from pollūtus (“no longer virgin", "unchaste”), perfect passive participle of polluō (“soil", "defile", "dishonor”).

See also for "pollute"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: pollute