Pollution
puh-LOO-shun
/pəˈluːʃən/
The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.
Can refer to air, water, soil, noise, or light pollution, each with distinct impacts.
The story behind the word. The word 'Pollution' comes from the Latin verb 'polluere,' meaning 'to defile, to contaminate, to stain.' This Latin root is thought to be related to 'lutum,' meaning 'mud.' It entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to moral or spiritual defilement. By the 19th and 20th centuries, as industrialization progressed, its meaning shifted to primarily refer to environmental contamination by harmful substances, a sense that is now dominant.
Word relationships
- Contamination: Contamination is the act of making something impure or unsuitable by contact with something unclean. Pollution is broader, referring to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- Defilement: A more archaic or moralistic term for making something impure or unclean, often with religious connotations.
- Purity: The state of being free from contamination or harmful substances.
- Cleanliness: The state of being free from dirt, marks, or stains.
Word family
- Pollute (verb): To contaminate (water, air, or a place) with harmful or poisonous substances.
- Pollutant (noun): A substance that pollutes something, especially water or the atmosphere.
Collocations
- air pollution
- water pollution
- noise pollution
- environmental pollution
- reduce pollution
Example sentences
- "Air pollution in major cities poses a significant health risk to residents." Discussing urban problems.
- "Strict regulations are needed to control industrial pollution of rivers and oceans." Reporting on environmental regulations.
Memory hook
Think 'POLLUTION' makes things 'PULL-uted' (pulled into a bad state). Pulls Down Quality
When not to use
Avoid using it for naturally occurring substances that are not harmful in their natural concentrations.
Fun facts
- The Great Smog of London in 1952 led to the UK's Clean Air Act, one of the first major pieces of legislation to combat air pollution.
Related words
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