pollute Definition
to make air, water, soil, etc. dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants by adding harmful substances.
Using pollute: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pollute" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The factory was fined for polluting the river.
Example
Car exhausts pollute the air we breathe.
Example
Oil spills can pollute the ocean and kill marine life.
pollute Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pollute
to contaminate the natural surroundings with harmful substances
Example
The company was accused of polluting the environment with toxic waste.
Example
Some argue that violent video games pollute the minds of young children.
to contaminate the air with harmful substances
Example
The burning of fossil fuels pollutes the atmosphere with greenhouse gases.
Summary: pollute in Brief
'Pollute' [pəˈluːt] means to make air, water, soil, or other natural elements harmful to living things by adding harmful substances. Examples include car exhausts polluting the air and oil spills polluting the ocean. 'Pollute' also extends into phrases like 'pollute the environment,' and 'pollute the mind,' denoting negative influences on surroundings and thoughts.
