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contaminate

[/kənˈtæmɪneɪt/]
verb
contaminar
1. to make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance
The factory contaminated the river with toxic waste.
A fábrica contaminou o rio com resíduos tóxicos.
2. to expose someone or something to infection or disease
The virus contaminated the water supply.
O vírus contaminou o abastecimento de água.
3. to make something morally or spiritually impure
He did not want his reputation contaminated by association with them.
Ele não queria que sua reputação fosse contaminada pela associação com eles.
Synonyms
pollutetaintcorruptpoisoninfect
Antonyms
purifycleansedecontaminate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contaminar
most common usage
São Paulo
contaminar
standard usage in business and environmental contexts
Portugal
contaminar
identical usage; may also use 'poluir' in environmental contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

contaminate the well - to corrupt a source or system
contaminated goods - products deemed unfit for sale or use
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