pollution

pol-lu-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The presence or introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment.

  2. 2.

    The act or process of polluting or the state of being polluted.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    air pollution — contamination of the atmosphere
  • •
    water pollution — contamination of water bodies
  • •
    noise pollution — excessive or harmful sounds in the environment
  • •
    light pollution — excessive artificial lighting

Related words

Antonyms: cleanliness, purification
See also: contamination, environment, pollute
Synonyms: contamination, defilement, impurity

Etymology

From Latin pollutio ("defilement"), from polluere ("to defile, pollute"), from por- ("before") + luere ("to wash"). Originally referred to ceremonial or moral defilement before acquiring environmental meaning.