μολύνω
Lemma: μολύνω
Translation: to contaminate; to pollute; to infect; to taint (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μολύνω (molýnō), meaning 'to stain, soil, defile'. The word has retained its core meaning of contamination throughout its history. It shares the same Indo-European root as English words like 'malaria' (literally 'bad air') and is related to the concept of impurity or corruption. The root 'mol-' conveys the idea of something becoming dirty or impure.
Example Usage
Τα εργοστάσια μολύνουν το περιβάλλον.
The factories pollute the environment.
Ο ιός μπορεί να μολύνει πολλούς ανθρώπους.
The virus can infect many people.
Μην αφήνεις τα σκουπίδια να μολύνουν τις παραλίες.
Don't let trash contaminate the beaches.
Το νερό έχει μολυνθεί από χημικά απόβλητα.
The water has been contaminated by chemical waste.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mole' (the animal) digging and making soil dirty - 'μολύνω' means to make something dirty or contaminated.
- Connect it with English 'malign' (harmful) - both share the idea of something negative or harmful.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek society, this word has gained increased prominence in environmental discourse as pollution and environmental protection have become important social issues. It's also commonly used in medical contexts regarding infection control and public health.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μολύνω' means to contaminate or pollute, 'μαλώνω' means to scold or to quarrel. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Οι γονείς μαλώνουν τα παιδιά όταν κάνουν αταξίες.
Parents scold their children when they misbehave.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: μοΛΥνω vs. μαΛΩνω, which can help distinguish them.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'μολύνω' has to do with pollution (both start with 'μο'), while 'μαλώνω' has to do with arguments (starts with 'μα').
Explanation: 'Μολύνω' is a verb meaning to contaminate, while 'μολύβι' is a noun meaning pencil or lead. They share the first few letters but are unrelated in meaning.
Notes: Despite the similar beginning, these words have different etymological origins.
Mnemonic: Think: 'μολύνω' affects the environment, while 'μολύβι' is something you hold in your hand.