taint

²taint

noun

Definition of TAINT

: a contaminating mark or influence <the taint of scandal>

— taint·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TAINT

1. <that rare political campaign that wasn't marred by the taint of false accusations>

First Known Use of TAINT

1601

Related to TAINT

Synonyms: blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, smudge, spot, stigma, stain

Related Words: black eye, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, guilt, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame; corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, unscrupulousness, vice

Near Antonyms: award, credit, honor; chasteness, chastity, modesty, purity, stainlessness; good, right; honesty, integrity, legitimacy, probity, rectitude, scrupulousness, uprightness; goodness, righteousness, virtuousness; fame, glory, renown, repute

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