from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pollute \Pol*lute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Polluted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Polluting}.] [L. pollutus, p. p. of polluere to
defile, to pollute, from a prep. appearing only in comp. +
luere to wash. See {Position}, {Lave}.]
1. To make foul, impure, or unclean; to defile; to taint; to
soil; to desecrate; -- used of physical or moral
defilement.
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The land was polluted with blood. --Ps. cvi. 38
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Wickedness . . . hath polluted the whole earth. --2
Esd. xv. 6.
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2. To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonor.
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3. (Jewish Law) To render ceremonially unclean; to disqualify
or unfit for sacred use or service, or for social
intercourse.
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Neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the
children of Israel, lest ye die. --Num. xviii.
32.
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They have polluted themselves with blood. --Lam. iv.
14.
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Syn: To defile; soil; contaminate; corrupt; taint; vitiate;
debauch; dishonor; ravish.
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