pollute
verb (used with object)
to make foul or unclean, especially with harmful chemical or waste products; dirty.
have polluted
-
present perfectof pollute.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.
Research stations in Antarctica have polluted surrounding ocean areas with heavy metals, fuel components and carcinogenic compounds, a new study shows.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 22, 2023
The miners have polluted waters with mercury used to separate metal from ore and earth.
From Reuters ● Feb. 1, 2023
Chad Smith, a DOE spokesperson, said mills that were previously transferred to the government have polluted groundwater more than expected, so regulators are more cautious now.
From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2022
The ash makes the air dangerous to breathe and is believed to have polluted many sources of drinking water.
From NewsForKids.net ● Jan. 17, 2022
Shame! shame that this should be! that she should have mistaken vile schemes for love, that a liar's kisses should have polluted her soul! that she should be the wife, the bondswoman of a cheat!
From The Nest of the Sparrowhawk by Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy
