taint
/teɪnt/
noun
- A trace of something bad, harmful, or contaminating.
- The water had a taint of sulfur, making it smell like rotten eggs.
- There was a taint of corruption in the company's dealings.
- The meat was free from any taint and safe to eat.
verb
- To contaminate or spoil something, especially by adding a harmful or unpleasant substance.
- The chemical spill tainted the river water for miles downstream.
- Bacteria can taint food if it is not stored at the right temperature.
- The scandal tainted the politician's reputation beyond repair.
- To affect something with a negative quality or influence.
- Prejudice can taint a person's view of others unfairly.
- His constant lying tainted their friendship with distrust.
- The joy of the celebration was tainted by news of the accident.
Synonyms