pollute

UK: pəˈluːt | US: pəˈluːt

Definition

  1. vt. to make air, water, or soil dirty or harmful by adding waste or chemicals

  2. vt. to corrupt or defile morally or spiritually

Structure
pol <forward>lute <wash>
Etymology

The word "pollute" traces back to Latin polluere, combining pol- (a variant of por-, meaning "forward" or "thoroughly") and -luere (from luere, "to wash"). Ironically, the original sense was "to soil by washing improperly" or "to defile," reflecting a metaphorical contamination. Over time, it narrowed to environmental and moral degradation in English.

Examples

  1. Factories pollute the river by dumping toxic waste.

  2. Smoking pollutes both the air and your lungs.

  3. The scandal polluted the company’s reputation.

  4. Plastic bags pollute oceans and harm marine life.

  5. Ancient rituals feared polluting sacred spaces.