Definitions

1. noun

the presence in the environment of substances introduced by humans, such as chemicals, wastes, and heat, that can cause harm to humans, wildlife, and the environment, especially air and water pollution, and noise pollution.

“The government implemented new regulations to combat air pollution in the city.”

2. noun

the act of polluting, especially the act of contaminating the environment with harmful substances, such as chemicals or waste.

“The company’s pollution of the river led to a massive clean-up effort.”

3. verb

to contaminate the environment with substances that can cause harm, especially air and water pollution, and noise pollution.

“The factory polluted the nearby lake with industrial waste.”

4. verb

to contaminate or make dirty, especially the air or water, with substances that can cause harm or damage.

“The smoky fire polluted the air in the small town.”