Polluted
pəˈluːtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo contaminate or make something impure, especially with harmful substances.
pəˈluːt
To contaminate or make impure.
The oil spill polluted the coastline.
💡 Simply: Think of a beautiful, clear lake. Someone dumps trash or chemicals in it, making it dirty. That's pollution! It makes the lake unsafe and not pretty anymore. It's like spilling paint on your favorite toy.
👶 For kids: Making something dirty or unsafe.
More Examples
The company's actions polluted the environment.
Air pollution has a significant impact on people's health.
How It's Used
"Factories pollute the rivers with industrial waste."
"The scandal polluted his reputation."
Having been contaminated or made impure; containing harmful substances.
pəˈluːtɪd
Made impure or contaminated.
The air in the city is often polluted.
💡 Simply: Imagine a clear, beautiful lake. When it's polluted, it means it's full of bad stuff like trash or chemicals. It's not safe or pretty anymore.
👶 For kids: Means something is dirty or unsafe.
More Examples
The polluted water made the fish sick.
The beach was closed due to polluted sand.
How It's Used
"The polluted river was unsafe for swimming."
"His mind felt polluted with negative thoughts."
Idioms & expressions
polluted air
Air that contains harmful substances.
"Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of polluted air."
polluted water
Water that contains harmful substances.
"Swimming is prohibited in the river due to the polluted water."
From Latin *pollutus*, past participle of *polluō* meaning 'to defile, stain, contaminate'.
The word 'polluted' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to physical contamination before extending to moral or spiritual corruption.
Memory tip
Think of a polluted lake filled with trash and chemicals.
Word Origin
"To defile, stain, contaminate"