Meaning & use
contaminate
To make something impure or harmful by introducing a polluting or infectious substance.
See it in a sentence
A leaking pipe contaminated the town's drinking water with dangerous chemicals.
Careless handling can contaminate a wound and slow the healing process.
A note on using this word
Contaminate is often used with substances like water, food, or samples, emphasizing that they become unsafe.
Words with a similar meaning
pollutetaint
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
purify
Make it your own
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