verb (used with object), de·con·tam·i·nated, de·con·tam·i·nat·ing. 1.to make (an
object or area) safe for unprotected personnel by removing, neutralizing, or destroying any harmful substance, as radioactive material or poisonous gas.
2.to make free of contamination; purify: to decontaminate a sickroom.
Related forms de·con·tam·i·na·tion, noun
de·con·tam·i·na·tive, adjective
de·con·tam·i·na·tor, noun