1. to contaminate or spoil something by adding something harmful or undesirable
2. to damage someone’s reputation or character

1. a trace of contamination or corruption

Examples

• The scandal will taint his political career forever.
• Bacteria can taint food if it’s not stored properly.
• The water supply was tainted with chemicals from the factory.
• Her reputation was tainted by the false accusations.
• There was a taint of corruption in the government deal.
• The meat had a strange taint that made it inedible.
• Even a small lie can taint your credibility.