adulterate
UK: əˈdʌltəreɪt | US: əˈdʌltəreɪt
vt. to corrupt or make impure by adding inferior or foreign substances
adj. (archaic) adulterated; debased
The word "adulterate" traces back to Latin adulterare ("to corrupt, falsify"), derived from ad- (intensifying prefix meaning "to") + alter ("other"). The root ulter (from alter) implies the introduction of "other" or foreign elements, originally referencing the contamination of substances like wine or food. Over time, it broadened to describe any form of debasement. The verb suffix -ate standardizes the action. The term’s evolution reflects a societal focus on purity, where mixing was often viewed as corruption.
The spice merchant was caught trying to adulterate saffron with cheaper dyes.
Modern food regulations penalize companies that adulterate products with unlisted additives.
His reputation was adulterated by false accusations.
In ancient Rome, laws punished those who adulterated wine with water.
The term "adulterate" often carries a moral connotation beyond physical mixing.