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Pollute vs Tarnish - What's the difference?

pollute | tarnish | Related terms |

In transitive terms the difference between pollute and tarnish

is that pollute is to make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor while tarnish is to soil, sully, damage or compromise.

As an adjective pollute

is polluted.

As a noun tarnish is

oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

pollute

English

Verb

(pollut)
  • To make something harmful, especially by the addition of some unwanted product.
  • The factory pollute d the river when it cleaned its tanks.
  • To make something or somewhere less suitable for some activity, especially by the introduction of some unnatural factor.
  • The lights from the stadium polluted the night sky, and we couldn't see the stars.
  • (dated) To corrupt or profane
  • * But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted , as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.” —Revelation 21:8 (RSV)
  • To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonour.
  • Derived terms

    * self-pollute

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (rare) Polluted.
  • References

    * ----

    tarnish

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
  • Verb

    (es)
  • To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
  • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing .
  • To soil, sully, damage or compromise
  • He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  • (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
  • * Dryden
  • Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, / Grow stale and tarnish with our daily sight.