Words / B2

k-uh-n-TAM-in-ayt/kənˈtæmɪneɪt/

To contaminate is to make something dirty or unsafe by adding a harmful substance: contaminate the river, contaminated food. Pollute is close, often for air and water on a large scale; poison is stronger and more everyday; taint can be slight or metaphorical. Contamination is the noun. In speech, make it unsafe / pollute is enough. Contaminate is used in science, food safety, and labs. Do not use it for a mildly unpopular idea unless you mean a real stain on evidence.

Meaning

To make something dirty or unsafe by adding a harmful substance.

Examples

• “The river was contaminated by waste.”
• “The river was contaminated by runoff from the works.”
• “One dirty pipette can contaminate a whole set of samples.”

Good to know

Make dirty or unsafe with a harmful substance. Noun: contamination. Everyday: pollute / poison. Science, food, water. Not a vague “spoil an idea” unless metaphorical on purpose.

Near in meaning

pollute

New