tainted

American  

[teyn-tid] / ˈteɪn tɪd /

adjective

1. infected, contaminated, corrupted, or spoiled.

   An outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to eating tainted ground turkey has resulted in several deaths.

2. affected by a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful.

   We strongly urge you to distance your charitable organization from this discredited project and its tainted money.

3. (of the name, reputation, etc., of a person or group) sullied or tarnished.

   Having such a program available to these students could help fix the tainted reputation many feel our school has earned.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of taint.

Other Word Forms

• untainted adjective

Etymology

Origin of tainted

taint ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Infant formula that could have been tainted with botulism remained on Target shelves after a recall, according to federal officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Paradox defines a character who feels tainted yet knows herself to be pure.

From Los Angeles Times

No illnesses in connection with the tainted cinnamon have been reported.

From Los Angeles Times

If it is perceived otherwise, investors will eventually worry that monetary policy has been tainted—which could cause price volatility as well as more serious, unforeseen consequences.

From Barron's

Paramount suggested the sales process has been tainted by Warner management conflicts, including certain executives seeking roles at the acquiring company after a deal closes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• contaminated
• corrupted
• dirty
• infected
• polluted
• rotten