Search Dictionary
Definition of decontaminate

decontaminate

/diːkənˈtæmɪneɪt/
de · con · tam · i · nate
Adjective:decontaminated
•
Past Simple:decontaminated
•
Past Participle:decontaminated
•
Present Participle:decontaminating
JUMP TO:

decontaminate Lexical Profile

decontaminate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To remove dangerous, toxic, infectious, or radioactive substances from an area, object, or person to make it safe.

Example

"Technicians wore protective suits while working to decontaminate the laboratory equipment after the chemical spill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for decontaminate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for decontaminate

• Rhymes for decontaminate

• Nearby Words

deconstruct
deconstructed
deconstruction
decontaminate
decontamination
decor
decorate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century, particularly during World War I in reference to neutralizing poison gas, from the prefix 'de-' (indicating removal) and 'contaminate' (from Latin 'contaminatus', meaning 'stained' or 'polluted').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decontaminate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decontaminate
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.