inquinate

/ˈɪŋkwɪneɪt/

Definitions

1. verb

to pollute or infect something with a pathogen, especially a microorganism.

“The contaminated water was inquinated by E. coli bacteria.”

2. noun

a substance that causes infection or disease.

“The inquinate in the water was responsible for the outbreak of waterborne illnesses.”

Synonyms

  • contaminate
  • infect
  • pollute

Antonyms

  • purify
  • sterilize