taints; tainted; tainting
1
: to hurt or damage the good condition of (something)
—often used as (be) tainted
The reputation of the university has been tainted [=blemished, marred] by athletic scandals.
Their relationship was tainted with/by suspicion.
2
: to make (something) dangerous or dirty especially by adding something harmful or undesirable to it
Bacteria had tainted [=contaminated, spoiled] the meat.
—often used as (be) taintedThe water had been tainted by pesticides.
: something that causes a person or thing to be thought of as bad, dishonest, etc.
—usually + of
a political career damaged by the taint of scandal
Cite this Entry
“Taint.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/taint. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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