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.
The woman said she was "disgusted" by Stewart, a grandfather who had worked for Royal Mail for 22 years, and he had "tainted lives".
From BBC ● Feb. 19, 2025
Asked if she felt the controversy had tainted her record, Harila said “of course,” but did not elaborate.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 13, 2023
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
The officer’s defense attorneys moved for a mistrial on Monday, claiming that publicity in the case had tainted the jury’s impartiality; they specifically cited Waters’ comments, as well as TV coverage of the trial.
From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2021
Some of our regular adversaries complained loud and long about how the inclusion of some of our pictures had tainted their precious yearbook.
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
