pollution
UK: pəˈluːʃ(ə)n | US: pəˈluːʃ(ə)n
n. the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment
n. the state of being polluted, especially by contaminants
n. (archaic) defilement or corruption, especially of a moral or spiritual nature
pollution = pollut<contaminate> + ion<noun suffix>
- pollut: Derived from Latin polluere ("to soil, defile"), combining pol- (intensive prefix) + -luere (related to lues, "filth").
- ion: A suffix forming nouns indicating action or condition (from Latin -io).
Etymology Origin:
The word "pollution" traces back to Latin polluere, which originally meant "to soil or defile." Over time, it evolved to encompass environmental contamination, reflecting societal awareness of ecological harm. The suffix -ion transforms the verb into a noun, emphasizing the result or state of polluting.
Air pollution in urban areas has reached alarming levels.
The factory was fined for river pollution caused by chemical waste.
Plastic pollution threatens marine life worldwide.
Ancient texts often associate moral pollution with societal decay.
Efforts to reduce pollution require global cooperation.