decontaminate
verb (used with object)
to make (an object or area) safe for unprotected personnel by removing, neutralizing, or destroying any harmful substance, as radioactive material or poisonous gas.
decontaminating
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present participleof decontaminate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The new law sets France "the goal of decontaminating soil and water polluted" by the pesticide, according to a copy on the parliament's website.
From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026
Workers at Catalyst Refiners Inc. in Institute, W.Va., were cleaning and decontaminating a metal processing site—in preparation for closing it down—when a chemical reaction created dangerous hydrogen sulfide gas around 9:30 a.m.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
A restoration team has also begun decontaminating the building, she said, but the process will take at least two weeks to a month.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025
When dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire, Huml said he starts by decontaminating the attic, ripping out soot-infested insulation and using a spray-on odor sealant on porous wood.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2025
If we do find such a substance we still have the problem of decontaminating existing metals.
From The Year When Stardust Fell by Raymond F. Jones
