rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytaintContamination or corruption
noun / verb

taint

TAYNT/teɪnt/

A trace of something harmful or discrediting, or the act of introducing it.

A drop of muddy liquid taints the clear water in the glass.

A single drop of muddy liquid falls into a clear glass of water, a brown cloud spreading from the point of contact to visibly spoil its clarity; plain dropper and no chemical labels.
Etymology
taintOld Frenchto dye, color

The dyeing ancestor connects taint with staining rather than simply damaging something. This strand merged with a separate verb meaning “to convict,” overlapping the ideas of imparting color and marking with disgrace.

In context

High Camp0:07
cheap materials that taint whiskey
Torch Flask - It's time to get rid of your old hip flask

More examples

  • The scandal leaves a taint on the company's reputation.
  • Bacteria can taint food that sits out too long.
  • The investigation finds no taint of corruption in the bidding process.

Forms

taint · taints · tainted · tainting

Similar words

contaminate
Emphasizes introducing impurities, especially into food, water, or materials.
corrupt
Emphasizes damage to moral integrity rather than physical purity.
stain
Suggests a visible mark or lasting damage to reputation.