taint
noun
a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful.
have tainted
-
present perfectof taint.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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 delays have tainted how Mrs Hodkinson feels about her time as a police officer.
From BBC ● May 31, 2024
Fagan’s involvement with La Mota, and her apparent efforts to revamp the audit plan after feedback from the retailer’s co-owner, may have tainted the audit’s credibility among policymakers.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023
Corcoran then tried a very different line of attack, suggesting that Amerling’s past work history and book club membership with a prosecutor might have tainted the case.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 20, 2022
Mr. Judd said those comments have tainted the probe from the start and left investigators with no option other than to find something — anything — to hang on an agent.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 19, 2022
“You say, ‘You have tainted my house with sick medicine and must remove the curse with sweetness.’
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
