Decontaminate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To decontaminate means to remove or neutralize harmful substances, such as chemicals, germs, or pollutants, from a person, object, or area to make it safe for use or contact.
Definition:
Remove dangerous or harmful substances from a person, object, or area.
Synonyms:
purify, cleanse, sanitize, sterilize
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
contaminate, pollute
Common Collocations:
decontaminate equipment, decontaminate water, decontaminate surfaces
Derivatives:
decontamination, decontaminant
Usage Tips:
Use for removing pollutants or toxins; often in medical, environmental, or industrial contexts.
Common Phrases:
decontaminate the area, thoroughly decontaminate, emergency decontamination
Etymology:
From Latin *de-* (reverse) + *contaminare* (to pollute), meaning to undo contamination.
Examples:
- 1. The workers must decontaminate the lab after the experiment.
- 2. Scientists developed a new method to decontaminate polluted water efficiently.
- 3. After the chemical spill, crews worked to decontaminate the affected zone.
- 4. Hospitals use UV light to decontaminate surgical instruments.