pollution

[ puh-loo-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted. polluted.
2. the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment:

   air pollution.

pollution

/ pəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted
2. harmful or poisonous substances introduced into an environment

pollution

/ pə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste.
2. ◆ Light from cities and towns at night that interferes with astronomical observations is known as light pollution. It can also disturb natural rhythms of growth in plants and other organisms.
3. ◆ Continuous noise that is loud enough to be annoying or physically harmful is known as noise pollution.
4. ◆ Heat from hot water that is discharged from a factory into a river or lake, where it can kill or endanger aquatic life, is known as thermal pollution.

Other Words From

• self-pol·lution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English pollucioun, from Old French, from Late Latin pollūtiōn-, stem of pollūtiō “defilement”; equivalent to pollute + -ion

Example Sentences

Reductions in air pollution therefore trigger potential for growth in economic activity through decreased absenteeism and increased worker productivity.

From Fortune

Research has long supported an association between asthma and exposure to air pollution.

From ProPublica

That ability may imply that the moth can find food and pollinate plants, including crucial crops, despite some air pollution, researchers report September 2 in the Journal of Chemical Ecology.

From Science News

It’s a good thing, because ridesharing actually causes more pollution than driving one’s own car.

From Singularity Hub 

Cars still add a lot of pollution, and are a dominant source of ozone.

From Popular-Science

That is a lot of air pollution, noise, and yet more kicking up of dust.

From The Daily Beast

No one really argues with the massive amount of pollution and toxins.

From The Daily Beast

In certain storylines, illegal industrial pollution is just as much a villain as the vengeful monsters it creates.

From The Daily Beast

Burning charcoal generates hydrocarbons, particulate air pollution, wildfires, and carbon footprints.

From The Daily Beast

For many of us, plastic pollution means the debris we can see.

From The Daily Beast

The whole valley is considered sacred, and hence strongly guarded against the pollution of any heretical evangelical influences.

From Project Gutenberg

To her the plague was better than self-slaughter, as self-slaughter was better than pollution.

From Project Gutenberg

Fundulus kansae has been found in the lower part of the Walnut River Basin, especially where petroleum pollution was evident.

From Project Gutenberg

Pollution by petroleum wastes from refineries has also affected the streams studied.

From Project Gutenberg

The pollution (miasma) of sin is precipitated by his blood, the power of sin is conquered by his Spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abuse
• corruption
• deterioration
• infection