verunreinigen
Translation
to contaminate, to pollute, to soil
Examples
Die Fabrik hat den Fluss verunreinigt.
The factory has polluted the river.
Staub hat die saubere Oberfläche verunreinigt.
Dust has soiled the clean surface.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to contaminate/pollute sth. Chemicals have contaminated the groundwater.
((sth.)) ((with sth.)) to contaminate sth. with sth. The coast was contaminated with oil.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to pollute, to contaminate; Antonyms: to clean, to purify
Etymology
From `ver-` (to make) + `unrein` (unclean, impure) + `-igen` (verb suffix). Literally 'to make unclean'.
Memory Tips
Break it down: `ver` (make) + `un` (un-) + `rein` (clean). The word's structure clearly shows its meaning.