v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Polluted; p. pr. & vb. n. Polluting. ] [ L. pollutus, p. p. of polluere to defile, to pollute, from a prep. appearing only in comp. + luere to wash. See Position, Lave. ] 1. To make foul, impure, or unclean; to defile; to taint; to soil; to desecrate; -- used of physical or moral defilement. [ 1913 Webster ] The land was polluted with blood. Ps. cvi. 38 [ 1913 Webster ] Wickedness . . . hath polluted the whole earth. 2 Esd. xv. 6. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonor. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Jewish Law) To render ceremonially unclean; to disqualify or unfit for sacred use or service, or for social intercourse. [ 1913 Webster ] Neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. Num. xviii. 32. [ 1913 Webster ] They have polluted themselves with blood. Lam. iv. 14. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To defile; soil; contaminate; corrupt; taint; vitiate; debauch; dishonor; ravish. [ 1913 Webster ] |