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tainted

adjective

/teɪnt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tainted

Contaminated, corrupted, or compromised by the presence of undesirable elements or influences.
"The athlete's career was tainted by accusations of doping."

Detailed meaning of tainted

When something is labeled as tainted, it implies that its purity, integrity, or quality has been compromised in some way. This term is often applied to objects, substances, reputations, or ideas that have been negatively affected by external factors, resulting in a diminished value or credibility. Tainted food, for example, refers to food that has been spoiled or contaminated and is no longer safe to consume. The concept of tainted underscores the idea of a loss of innocence, authenticity, or trustworthiness due to the infiltration of negative influences or harmful factors. It suggests a need for caution and careful consideration when dealing with entities that have been tainted, as their compromised nature can have implications for their functionality, effectiveness, or overall impact.

Example sentences containing tainted

1. The food was recalled due to a tainted ingredient that caused food poisoning.
2. The politician's reputation was forever tainted after the corruption scandal.
3. She refused to drink the water from the well, suspecting it might be tainted.
4. The once beautiful painting had a tainted corner where the colors had faded.
5. The jury's decision was questioned when evidence of a tainted witness came to light.
6. The company faced a setback when their product was found to be tainted with harmful chemicals.

History and etymology of tainted

The adjective 'tainted' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'teynted' or 'taynted.' It is derived from the Old French word 'taint,' which meant 'color' or 'tincture.' The Old French term is believed to have its roots in the Latin word 'tingere,' which means 'to dye' or 'to color.' Over time, 'tainted' shifted in meaning to describe something that is contaminated, corrupted, or compromised by the presence of undesirable elements or influences. Its etymology reflects the idea of something being imbued with an undesirable color or quality, similar to the way dye can alter the color of a substance. In the context of 'tainted,' it signifies the intrusion of impurity or corruption into a previously pure or untarnished state.

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Further usage examples of tainted

1. The pristine forest was marred by a tainted stream polluted by industrial waste.
2. The athlete's career was tarnished by rumors of tainted performance-enhancing drugs.
3. The journalist uncovered a story of tainted meat being sold in local markets.
4. The company's brand suffered a blow when their CEO was implicated in a tainted business deal.
5. The sweet memories of their relationship were now tainted by betrayal.
6. The politician's tainted past made it difficult for voters to trust their promises.
7. She could sense a tainted atmosphere in the room after the argument.
8. The artist's reputation remained untainted, despite working in an industry known for its scandals.
9. The evidence against the suspect was tainted due to mishandling by the police.
10. The family decided to move away from the tainted neighborhood to provide a better environment for their children.
11. The tainted fruit had a foul smell, indicating it was no longer fit for consumption.
12. The tainted history of the building made it an eerie and unsettling place to visit.
13. The CEO resigned amidst allegations of a tainted corporate culture.
14. The friendship was severed when one of them discovered the other's tainted intentions.