Adulterate

Origin

Dated 16th Century CE; modified from adulteration, likely with earlier origin in the Latin past‐participle adulteratus.

Full definition of adulterate

Adjective

1. Tending to commit adultery.
• Shakespeare Hamlet, I.v.Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast,With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts-O wicked wit and gifts, that have the powerSo to seduce!- won to his shameful lustThe will of my most seeming-virtuous queen.
2. Corrupted; impure; adulterated.

Verb

1. To corrupt.
2. To spoil by adding impurities.to adulterate food, drink, drugs, coins, etc.
• SpectatorThe present war has ... adulterated our tongue with strange words.
3. To commit adultery.
4. To defile by adultery.

Synonyms

• debase

Derived terms

• adulterant
• adulteration