contaminated

• Beschreibt etwas, das durch Kontakt mit giftigen oder verschmutzenden Stoffen unrein, verschmutzt oder schädlich geworden ist.

Describes something that has been made impure, unclean, or harmful by contact with a poisonous or polluting substance.

1. Polluted or infectedB2formalmedical

   Made impure or harmful by contact with a poisonous or infectious substance.

   Verschmutzt oder infiziert

   • The contaminated water caused a cholera outbreak.
   • Do not eat food that has been contaminated by bacteria.
   • The lab tested the soil and found it contaminated with lead.

   Synonymeadulteratedcorrupteddefiledfouledimpureinfectedpollutedtainted

   Antonymecleanpuresanitarysterileuncontaminated

2. Radioactive contaminationC1formalscientific

   Exposed to or containing radioactive material.

   Radioaktive Kontamination

   • The area near the reactor remains contaminated with radiation.
   • Workers wore protective suits to avoid contaminated particles.
   • Decontamination of the site will take decades.

   Synonymehotpollutedradioactivetainted

3. Impure in a technical processB2formaltechnical

   Containing unwanted substances that affect purity or function.

   Verunreinigt

   • The contaminated fuel damaged the engine.
   • The sample was contaminated with dust during collection.
   • Contaminated air filters must be replaced regularly.

   Synonymeadulteratedfouledimpureinfectedpollutedtainted

   Antonymecleanpuresterileuncontaminated

• Verb, das die Handlung bezeichnet, etwas durch Kontakt mit einem Stoff oder Agens zu verschmutzen, zu infizieren oder zu verderben.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something impure, polluted, or harmful by contact with a substance or agent.

1. Make impure or harmfulB2formalscientific

   To make something dirty, polluted, or poisonous by adding a harmful substance.

   Verunreinigen

   • The factory waste contaminated the nearby river.
   • Bacteria can contaminate food if it is not stored properly.
   • The water supply was contaminated with lead.

   Synonymebefouldefiledirtyfoulpoisonpollutesoilsullytainttarnish

   Antonymecleandecontaminatepurifysterilize

2. Expose to radioactivityC1formaltechnical

   To make a substance or area radioactive by exposure to radioactive material.

   Radioaktiv verseuchen

   • The accident contaminated the entire laboratory with radiation.
   • Workers had to decontaminate the area after the spill.
   • The soil was contaminated by nuclear waste.

   Synonymeactivateirradiate

   Antonymecleancleansedecontaminatepurify

3. Infect with diseaseB2formalmedical

   To transmit a disease or infection to a person, animal, or environment.

   Ansteckung

   • The virus can contaminate surfaces and remain active for hours.
   • Contaminated needles can spread serious diseases.
   • The patient was isolated to avoid contaminating others.

   Synonymeblightinfectpoisonpollutetaint