What does the term pollution most nearly mean?

The term pollution most nearly means contamination because it refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the environment, which compromises its purity. Contamination indicates the presence of unwanted materials that negatively affect air, water, or soil, thereby creating unsafe or unclean conditions.

The other options, while related to environmental issues, have nuances that set them apart. Damage implies a broader physical harm that could result from many factors, not just pollution. Degradation refers to a decline in quality or deterioration, which can be a consequence of pollution but does not encapsulate the direct act of contaminating the environment. Pestilence denotes a disease, particularly one that spreads uncontrollably, and does not directly relate to the concept of pollution itself. Therefore, contamination is the most accurate representation of the term pollution.