pollute

3 definitions • 6 examples

to make an area or substance, usually air, water, or soil, dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants, especially by adding harmful chemicals:

The pesticides used on many farms are polluting the water supply.

We won't invest in any company that pollutes the environment.

figurative Many complain that broadcasters pollute the airwaves with sensationalism and sleaze.

to make air, water, or earth dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants, esp. by adding harmful chemicals or waste:

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are polluting the groundwater.

to make water, the air, or land dirty and not safe for people, animals, and plants, especially with waste or chemicals:

You don't need to pollute the planet to grow your economy.

He expects coal plants built after 2012 to be equipped with technology for capturing and storing carbon emissions so that they will not pollute.