contaminated

Meaning 1: Environment

To make something impure, polluted, or toxic by adding a harmful substance.

Examples

• The oil spill threatened to contaminate the local water supply.
• It is important not to contaminate the food with bacteria during preparation.

Meaning 2: Figurative

To corrupt or dishonor someone or something, especially morally.

Examples

• His integrity was contaminated by the scandal.
• The constant exposure to violence can contaminate a child's mind.

Pronunciation: /kənˈtæmɪneɪt/

How to Use contaminated

contaminate with (prepositional phrase)

To make something impure by adding a substance. — "The water was contaminated with bacteria."

contaminate the environment (collocation)

To pollute the natural surroundings. — "The chemical spill will contaminate the environment for years."

contaminate food (collocation)

To make food unsafe to eat by adding harmful substances. — "Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contaminating food."

Synonyms of contaminated

Words with a similar meaning to contaminated:

• spoil
• pollute
• taint
• defile

Antonyms of contaminated

Words with the opposite meaning to contaminated:

• purify
• cleanse