Definition

A cesspool is a deep hole or underground container where waste and sewage are collected and stored. It is often associated with unpleasant smells and unsanitary conditions.

Example

The old house had a cesspool that needed to be cleaned out regularly.

Conversation

Did you hear about that old house down the street?

Yeah, I heard it’s a total sesspool of problems.

I can't believe someone would want to live there.

I know, right? It's better to stay away from places like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'cesspool' is formed from 'cess' (from Latin 'cessus', meaning a going away or a yielding) and 'pool' (from Old English 'pōl', meaning a small body of water). The term originally referred to a pit or reservoir for collecting waste, hence the modern connotation of a filthy or unsanitary place.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cess' meaning to yield or go away, combined with 'pool' as a body of water, to remember that a cesspool is a place where waste goes away and collects.

Visually Confused Words