contaminate

Definition

To make something dangerous or toxic by introducing impurities or foreign matter.

Etymology

First attested in the early 15ᵗʰ century, in Middle English; from Middle English contaminaten (“to defile; to infect with desease”), from contaminat(e) (“sullied, defiled; infected with desease”, also used as the past participle of contaminaten) + -en (verb-forming suffix), from Latin contāminātus, the perfect passive participle of contāminō (“to touch together, blend, mingle, corrupt, defile”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), which see for further informations. More at taste, tax, and taxi.

Example Sentences

• "This water is contaminated. It isn't safe to drink."
• "Bombs and munitions meanwhile contain toxic substances that contaminate soil, water, and vegetation."
• "Shall we now Contaminate our figures with base bribes?"

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