noun

decontamination

dee-kuhn-ta-mih-NAY-shuhn

Decontamination (noun) means the process of removing harmful or dangerous substances from a person, place, or object. Example: “Workers underwent decontamination after handling the chemical spill.”

noun

The process of removing harmful or dangerous substances from a person, place, or object.

"Workers underwent decontamination after handling the chemical spill."

How to use decontamination

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCleaning something dangerous — radioactive material, chemicals, or biological hazards — until it is safe again.

Common pairings

decontamination process decontamination unit chemical decontamination

Word forms

decontaminations plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “decontamination” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Workers underwent _____ after handling the chemical spill.

Etymology

From de- + contamination.

Rhymes for decontamination

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

See all rhymes for decontamination →

Frequently asked questions

What does “decontamination” mean?

The word “decontamination” means the process of removing harmful or dangerous substances from a person, place, or object. In plain terms, cleaning something dangerous — radioactive material, chemicals, or biological hazards — until it is safe again.

How do you pronounce “decontamination”?

“Decontamination” is pronounced dee-kuhn-ta-mih-NAY-shuhn (/diːkənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “decontamination” in a sentence?

Here is “decontamination” used in a sentence: “Workers underwent decontamination after handling the chemical spill.”

What part of speech is “decontamination”?

“Decontamination” is a noun.