Contaminate
/kənˈtæməˌneɪt/noun
To make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
Did you know?The root of 'contaminate' is linked to ancient rituals where impurities were believed to invoke curses or summon malevolent forces.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
contaminare
“to make impure or unclean, often in a ritualistic context.”
Old French
Old French
contaminer
“to pollute or infect, usually referring to moral or physical corruption.”
Middle English
Middle English
contaminen
“to defile or sully, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense.”
Modern English
English
contaminate
“to make unclean or impure, retaining the connotation of moral and physical corruption.”