◇synomym: pollute, infect, stain, corrupt, taint, defile, befoul

1. to make a substance or place dirty or no longer pure by adding a substance that is dangerous or carries disease

(물질이나 장소를) 오염시키다

- Toxic nonstick chemicals contaminate drinking water for 15 million Americans. 

- Provision should be made for the removal of the carbon dioxid and other products, as they contaminate the air.

2. to influence people’s ideas or attitudes in a bad way

(사람들의 생각이나 태도를) 오염시키다, 악영향을 주다(타락시키다)

- They were accused of contaminating the minds of our young people.

- The hope, according to Rucker, is that Beck doesn’t threaten to contaminate the company’s overall brand.

▲pollute : 오염시키다, 더럽히다

(P.S contaminate 의 경우 사람에게 더 치명적인 의미를 포함하고 있다.)

The refuse oil from the factory polluted the water at the beach.

▲taint : 오염시키다, 오명을 남기다 , 오점 불명예

 -His mind has been tainted by evil companions.

-taints and honors (불명예와 명예)

▲befoul : 더럽히다(defile) 헐뜯다(slander)

-The leader, despite being the most evil force ever to befoul mankind, was also kind and

conscientious.

 -Certainly mankind has been befouled with a stain that won't be removed in a week or a month