'pollute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'polluere,' where 'pol-' meant 'to soil' 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 soil or defile,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to contaminate or make impure.'