Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product.
2. (transitive) To make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor.
3. To corrupt or profane
4. To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonour.
5. (rare) Polluted; defiled.

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.

Word Forms

• pollutes
• polluting
• polluted
• more pollute
• most pollute

Synonyms for pollute

Related Words

When Should You Use Pollute?

Use pollute when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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