contaminate
kuhn-TAM-uh-neyt
/kənˈtæmɪneɪt/
To make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
In forensics, it specifically means to accidentally introduce outside DNA or material into a crime scene.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'con-' (together) and 'tangere' (to touch). In the ancient world, it was believed that if a pure object touched an impure one, the purity was lost forever.
Word relationships
- pollute: Pollute is usually used for large-scale environmental damage; contaminate is used for specific samples or small areas.
- taint: Taint often implies a moral or reputational corruption, while contaminate is physical.
- purify: To remove all contaminants and return to a clean state.
Word family
- contamination (noun): The action or state of making or being made impure.
- contaminant (noun): A polluting or poisonous substance that makes something impure.
Collocations
- contaminate the scene
- cross-contaminate
- heavily contaminated
Example sentences
- "The detective wore gloves and a mask so as not to contaminate the evidence." Crime scene protocol.
- "Runoff from the factory began to contaminate the local water supply." Environmental science.
Memory hook
CON-TAM-inate: Think of 'TAMpering' with something by 'CONtact'. Spoiled by contact.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple messiness; it implies a loss of purity or integrity.
Fun facts
- Forensic technicians often wear 'bunny suits' (full-body white suits) to prevent their own skin cells or hair from contaminating a scene.
Explore more words
contaminant, contamination, adulteration, cross-contamination, pollutant, forensics
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