VocabDictionary

cesspool

/ˈsɛs.puːl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An underground container or pit for the temporary collection of sewage or liquid waste.

Example Sentences:
  • The old farmhouse relied on a backyard cesspool before the town installed a modern sewer system.
  • The inspector warned that the cesspool was leaking and posed a significant health hazard.
2.noun

A place, situation, or social environment regarded as morally corrupt or disgusting.

Example Sentences:
  • The internet comment section quickly devolved into a cesspool of hate speech and misinformation.
  • He described the city's underground gambling ring as a cesspool of vice and criminality.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cesspool”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originates from the mid-17th century, likely a combination of 'cess' (a variant of 'suss,' meaning a sink or drain, possibly from the French 'sousse') and 'pool.' It originally referred to a pit or reservoir for the reception of sewage or liquid waste.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'cess' (cessation/stop) of flow where waste 'pools' together.

Frequently Asked Questions About “cesspool

1. What is the meaning of “cesspool” in English?

In English, cesspool (noun) is defined as: “An underground container or pit for the temporary collection of sewage or liquid waste.”.

2. How do you use “cesspool” in a sentence?

The old farmhouse relied on a backyard cesspool before the town installed a modern sewer system.

3. What are English synonyms of “cesspool”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cesspool”?

Originates from the mid-17th century, likely a combination of 'cess' (a variant of 'suss,' meaning a sink or drain, possibly from the French 'sousse') and 'pool.' It originally referred to a pit or reservoir for the reception of sewage or liquid waste.