Pollute

/pəˈluːt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make (a substance or area) unclean or impure by introducing harmful or undesirable elements.

Industrial waste can pollute rivers and streams, harming aquatic life.

to contaminate with harmful substances or materials.

The chemical spill is expected to pollute the groundwater for years to come.

to make morally or spiritually unclean or corrupt.

The scandal threatened to pollute the reputation of the entire organization.

to render unwholesome or unsatisfactory.

Litter can pollute the beautiful landscape and diminish the natural experience.

Latin 'pollutus', past participle of 'polluere', meaning 'to defile, to violate'.

pollute the atmosphere

to release harmful substances into the air.

pollute one's mind

to introduce negative or harmful thoughts.

pollute the waters

to contaminate water sources.

contamination

the act of making something impure or unsuitable by contact with something unclean.

degradation

the process of damaging or degrading something.

defilement

the action of defiling something.

to mess up or ruin something

Don't pollute my vibes with your negativity.

to spoil the mood or atmosphere

He really polluted the party with his complaints.