Entry Word: contaminate

Function: verb

Meaning: to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable <a supply of drinking water that was contaminated by a toxic waste dump>

Synonyms befoul, defile, foul, poison, pollute, taint

Related Words infect; besmirch, dirty, soil, sully; corrupt, rot, spoil; adulterate, doctor; dilute, water (down)

Near Antonyms clean, cleanse, purge; filter; disinfect, sanitize

Antonyms decontaminate, purify