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
Composed of `ver-` (to make) + `unrein` (unclean) + `-igen` (verb suffix). It literally means 'to make unclean'.
Memory Tips
The word is very logical. Just remember `rein` means 'clean', so `unrein` is 'unclean', and `verunreinigen` is 'to make unclean'.