decontaminate
UK[ˌdiːkənˈtæmɪneɪt]US[ˌdiːkənˈtæmɪneɪt]
v
to remove dangerous substances, such as poison or bacteria, from something or someone
Morpheme Breakdown
de
con
taminate
de
remove
con
intensive
taminate
contaminate
Etymology
the word decontaminate is a modern english formation built upon the existing verb 'contaminate'. it employs the latin prefix 'de-', which often signifies reversal or removal, to negate the state of being contaminated. the core element 'taminate' is derived from the latin verb taminare, meaning 'to defile' or 'to pollute', which itself is related to tamen, a word for a tool used in weaving, hinting at an ancient concept of corruption through contact. the intensive prefix 'con-' (thoroughly) embedded within 'contaminate' reinforces the sense of thorough pollution, which 'de-' then systematically reverses. thus, the literal morphemic logic translates directly to the modern technical meaning: to thoroughly remove pollution or harmful agents.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + con (intensive) + taminate (contaminate)
de- (latin prefix, meaning 'remove' or 'reverse'); con- (latin prefix, an intensive form of 'com-', meaning 'thoroughly'); taminate (a reduced form of the english verb 'contaminate', from latin taminare 'to defile')
Examples
emergency crews worked to decontaminate the area after the chemical spill.
all equipment must be properly decontaminated before leaving the laboratory.
the process decontaminates water by removing biological and chemical impurities.