'pollute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'polluere,' where 'pol-' meant 'to defile' and '-luere' meant 'to wash.'

'polluere' transformed into the Old French word 'polluer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pollute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to defile or make unclean,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to contaminate with harmful substances.'