noun
taint
taynt
Taint (noun) means a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone. Example: “The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
noun
1
A trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.
"The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation."
verb
1
To contaminate or spoil something, physically or morally.
"Bribery allegations tainted the entire election."
"Careless handling can taint the flavor of the wine."
How to use taint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trace of contamination or dishonor, or the act of spoiling something with it.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with tint, which just means a shade of color with no negative meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
tainted reputation
tainted evidence
a taint of scandal
taint the water supply
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Word forms
- Plural
- taints
- Third person singular
- taints
- Past tense
- tainted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scandal left a lasting _____ on his reputation.
Etymology
From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for taint
See all rhymes for taint →Frequently asked questions
What does “taint” mean?
The word “taint” means a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone. In plain terms, a trace of contamination or dishonor, or the act of spoiling something with it.
How do you pronounce “taint”?
“Taint” is pronounced taynt (/teɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “taint” in a sentence?
Here is “taint” used in a sentence: “The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
What part of speech is “taint”?
Depending on how it is used, “taint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “taint” come from?
The word “taint” comes from Latin. From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint.".
How many meanings does “taint” have?
“Taint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.
