contaminate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Understanding how this molecular gearbox works could help researchers develop ways to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, slimy communities that cause infections and contaminate medical devices.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Informal recycling is rife with hazards -- open burning, acid baths and unprotected dismantling expose workers to toxic fumes and contaminate soil and water.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

The aviation industry doesn’t dispute that oil and other aircraft fluids can contaminate the air on a flight, but says that the levels of chemicals released haven’t been shown to pose risk of serious illness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

They can also eat their way through farm produce and contaminate food supplies.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

Jefferson’s initial draft of the Declaration of Independence had included language that described the slave trade as the perverse plot of an evil English monarch designed to contaminate innocent colonists.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis