Search Dictionary
Definition of contaminate

contaminate

/kənˈtæm.ɪ.neɪt/
con · tam · i · nate
Adjective:contaminated
•
Past Simple:contaminated
•
Past Participle:contaminated
•
Present Participle:contaminating
JUMP TO:

contaminate Lexical Profile

contaminate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a substance, surface, or environment impure, unsafe, or poisonous by introducing a harmful, unwanted, or infectious material.

Example

"Runoff from the abandoned factory threatened to contaminate the town's drinking water supply."

2

To corrupt, degrade, or negatively influence the integrity of an idea, system, or set of data by introducing extraneous or harmful elements.

Example

"The lead researcher warned that leading questions could contaminate the survey results."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for contaminate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for contaminate

• Rhymes for contaminate

• Nearby Words

containership
containment
contaminant
contaminate
contamination
contaminator
contemplate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from the Latin past participle 'contaminatus', from the verb 'contaminare' (to defile or corrupt by contact), formed from 'con-' (with) and the base '*tag-' (to touch, related to 'tangible' and 'contact').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contaminate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contaminate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.