Definition

A substance that makes something impure or harmful by adding something dirty or poisonous to it.

Example

The factory was fined for releasing a contaminant into the river.

Conversation

Did you hear about the spill at the factory?

Yeah, I read it might contaminate the nearby river.

That's really concerning; we need to be careful with our water sources.

Absolutely, we should check if our water supply is safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something dirty or unsafe by adding harmful substances to it.

Example

The factory's waste can contaminate the nearby river.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about the pollution issue in our town?

Yes, it's really concerning how it can contaminate the water supply.

I know, right? We need to do something before it gets worse.

Root Explanation

Contaminate → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "taminare" (from Latin "taminare", meaning to make unclean or to defile). The word "contaminate" means to make something unclean or impure by mixing it with something harmful or undesirable.

Memory Tip

Think of things being made 'together' ('con-') into something 'unclean' ('taminare') — that's why contaminate means to make something unclean.

Visually Confused Words