contaminate
verb (used with object)
to make impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with something unclean, bad, etc..
have contaminated
-
present perfectof contaminate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
That pattern does not match biological material that could have contaminated the meteorite where it was found.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026
It’s designed to protect against pathogens — like viruses and bacteria — that have contaminated the water supply but can be neutralized with high heat.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2025
As new statewide drinking water testing requirements roll out, the chemicals have contaminated over 200 public water sources so far.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 7, 2023
And the human waste and fires have contaminated public parks, which has increasingly frustrated LA residents.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2023
You may observe how French cooks, with their high ragousts, have contaminated our plain English understandings.
From Three Hours after Marriage by John Arbuthnot
