pollute Meaning & Definition
What Does Pollute Mean?
Pollute is a verb that means To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product. It can also mean To make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor. As an adjective, it means Polluted; defiled.
Pollute: Key Facts
| Part of speech | verb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /pəˈluːt/ |
| Synonyms | foul and contaminate |
| Comparative / superlative | more pollute, most pollute |
| Verb forms | pollutes, polluting, polluted |
Pollute Definition (Verb)
- To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product.
The factory polluted the river when it cleaned its tanks.
- To make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor.
The lights from the stadium polluted the night sky, and we couldn't see the stars.
- To corrupt or profane
- To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonour.
- to flatulate.
Pollute as an Adjective
- Polluted; defiled.
Synonyms of Pollute
Pollute synonyms and antonyms →Pollute in a Sentence
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.
Word Forms & Grammar
pollute (third-person singular simple present pollutes, present participle polluting, simple past and past participle polluted)
pollute (comparative more pollute, superlative most pollute)
Words That Rhyme With Pollute
Origin of Pollute
From Middle English polluten, borrowed from Latin pollūtum, from pollūtus (“no longer virgin", "unchaste”), perfect passive participle of polluō (“soil", "defile", "dishonor”).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pollute
Is pollute a verb or an adjective?
Pollute is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for pollute?
You can replace pollute with words such as foul and contaminate. See the full list of pollute synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of pollute?
The past tense of pollute is polluted. The present participle is polluting.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of pollute?
The comparative form is more pollute and the superlative form is most pollute.