cesspit
Underground sewage tank
A cesspit is a pit or tank for collecting sewage or waste—essentially a hole in the ground where filth accumulates.
The word extends figuratively to any place of moral corruption or concentrated unpleasantness: The comment section became a cesspit of hatred.
Also called a cesspool, though technically a cesspool allows drainage while a cesspit is sealed.
Dishonest abuse of power
- depravityProfound moral corruption
- den of iniquityPlace of moral corruption
- quagmireSoft, wet ground
- morassSwampy, confusing situation
sinkhole · hellhole · breeding ground · hotbed · swamp · pit · abyss · underbelly
Subterranean sewage decomposition chamber
- sludgeSemi-solid waste material
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
- drainageLiquid removal system
sewerage · blackwater · greywater · excreta · leach field · outfall · sanitation · infiltration
Filthy wet dirt
- sludgeSemi-solid waste material
- grimeIngrained surface dirt
- squalorDirty, degraded living conditions
- foulnessOffensive, corrupt quality
scum · crud · dregs · slime · residue · sediment · ooze · mire
Organic breakdown process
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- festeringBecoming infected, decaying
- molderingSlowly decomposing over time
fermentation · spoilage · putridity · rancidity · corruption · breakdown · disintegration
Emit strong odor
- miasmaHarmful atmospheric emanation
- fetorIntense, offensive odor
- malodorUnpleasant, offensive smell
- foulnessOffensive, corrupt quality
putridity · rankness · noisomeness · pungency · stink · sulfurous · ammoniacal · funk
Intense physical disgust
- abhorrenceExtreme hatred or disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
- loathingIntense, settled disgust
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
repulsion · squalid · vile · abomination · ghastliness · gruesomeness · offensive · revolting
corruption
Dishonest abuse of power
- depravityProfound moral corruption
- den of iniquityPlace of moral corruption
- quagmireSoft, wet ground
morass · sinkhole · hellhole · breeding ground · hotbed · swamp · pit · abyss · underbelly · gutter
septic tank
Subterranean sewage decomposition chamber
- sludgeSemi-solid waste material
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
drainage · sewerage · blackwater · greywater · excreta · leach field · outfall · sanitation · infiltration · anaerobic
muck
Filthy wet dirt
foulness · scum · crud · dregs · slime · residue · sediment · ooze · mire · putrescence
rot
Organic breakdown process
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- festeringBecoming infected, decaying
moldering · fermentation · spoilage · putridity · rancidity · corruption · breakdown · disintegration
reek
Emit strong odor
foulness · putridity · rankness · noisomeness · pungency · stink · sulfurous · ammoniacal · funk · mustiness
revulsion
Intense physical disgust
- abhorrenceExtreme hatred or disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
- loathingIntense, settled disgust
nausea · repulsion · squalid · vile · abomination · ghastliness · gruesomeness · offensive · revolting · nauseating
- historical sanitationchamber pot, latrine, outhouse, privy, sewer
- sanitation systemsseptic tank, septic system, sewage system, sewer, drain
- Victorian povertyworkhouse, poorhouse, tenement, slum, hovel
- Fecesfeces, poop, dung, droppings, excrement
- outhousesouthouse, privy, latrine, pit toilet, backhouse
cesspitpurified water
Water with contaminants removed
sterile environment · wellspring · clean room · sanctuary · oasis