taint
noun
a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful.
had tainted
-
past perfectof taint.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said she felt "utterly ashamed" of affecting the community she was part of, and had "tainted" all the good work she had carried out at the school.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2024
Asked if she felt the controversy had tainted her record, Harila said “of course,” but did not elaborate.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 13, 2023
The raw emotion had tainted the jury pool, she said.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 11, 2022
Pepe’s defense attorney contended that the relationship between ICE Special Agent Gary J. Phillips and the interpreter had tainted the girls’ testimony.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2022
So, under the gaze of a thousand meerkats, I soaked, allowing fresh water to dissolve every salt crystal that had tainted me.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
