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Definition of decontamination

decontamination

/ˌdiːkənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/
de · con · tam · i · na · tion
Plural:decontaminations
•
Adjective:decontaminative
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decontamination Lexical Profile

decontamination Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of neutralizing or removing dangerous substances, such as radioactivity, infectious pathogens, or toxic chemicals, from an object, area, or person.

Example

"The laboratory technicians underwent a strict decontamination procedure after handling the hazardous samples."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for decontamination
Antonyms
View all antonyms for decontamination

• Rhymes for decontamination

• Nearby Words

deconstructed
deconstruction
decontaminate
decontamination
decor
decorate
decoration

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the prefix 'de-' (indicating removal or reversal) and 'contamination', originally emerging in response to chemical warfare during World War I.

Cite this Entry

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