v. Function: verb
1 to debase by making impure or unclean FF1C; feared her child's morals would be contaminated by others FF1E;
Synonyms: defile, pollute, soil, taint; compare TAINT 1
Related Words: corrupt, debase, debauch, deprave, pervert, vitiate; harm, injure, spoil
Contrasted Words: better, elevate, improve
Antonyms: purify
2 to render unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements FF1C; water contaminated by sewage FF1E;
Synonyms: befoul, foul, pollute
Related Words: infect; poison; dirty, soil
Antonyms: purify