verb (used with object), de·con·tam·i·nated, de·con·tam·i·nat·ing.
- to make (an object or area) safe for unprotected personnel by removing, neutralizing, or destroying any harmful substance, as radioactive material or poisonous gas.
- to make free of contamination; purify: to decontaminate a sickroom.
verb
- (tr) to render (an area, building, object, etc) harmless by the removal, distribution, or neutralization of poisons, radioactivity, etc
1936, from de- + contaminate. Originally in reference to poison gas. Related: Decontaminated; decontaminating.
n.
- The removal or neutralization of a contaminating substance, such as poisonous gas or a radioactive material.