pollute

Definition

To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "The factory polluted the river when it cleaned its tanks."
• "The lights from the stadium polluted the night sky, and we couldn't see the stars."
• "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."

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