decontaminate

/ˌdiːkənˈtæmɪneɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdiːkənˈtæmɪneɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdē-kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnāt/ (ame, mw)

decontaminate — verb

  • decontaminatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • decontaminateshe / she / it
  • decontaminatedpast simple
  • decontaminating-ing form

1. to make a place, object, or person safe by getting rid of poisons, germs, radiat

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a place, object, or person safe by getting rid of poisons, germs, radiation, or other dangerous materials

例句

Haruto helped decontaminate the school kitchen after a chemical spill.

The crew wore special suits to decontaminate the factory equipment.

decontaminate + equipment — protective clothing context

同義詞
  • purify

    broader — can refer to spiritual or moral cleansing, not only physical removal of harmful substances

  • disinfect

    specifically means killing germs and bacteria, not removing chemicals or radiation

  • sterilize

    means destroying all microorganisms entirely; stronger and more clinical than 'decontaminate'

反義詞
  • contaminate

    to add dangerous or harmful substances to something

  • pollute

    to make air, water, or land dirty with harmful waste

文法句型

decontaminate + something

decontaminate + something + of + contaminant

用法筆記

Object is typically a place, surface, piece of equipment, or body part that has been exposed to harmful substances. Common in medical, industrial, and environmental contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I decontaminated the dusty shelf.
✅I cleaned the dusty shelf.
💡'decontaminate' is for dangerous or toxic substances, not ordinary dirt or dust.