taint

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: contaminationdefilesullycorruptcloudinfect

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. the state of being contaminatedSynonyms: contamination

Verb (2)

  1. place under suspicion or cast doubt upon“sully someone's reputation”Synonyms: defilesullycorruptcloud
  2. contaminate with a disease or microorganismSynonyms: infect
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Taint \Taint\, v. t. [F. teint, p. p. of teindre to dye, tinge, fr. L. tingere, tinctum. See Tinge, and cf. Tint.]

1.To imbue or impregnate with something extraneous, especially with something odious, noxious, or poisonous; hence, to corrupt; to infect; to poison; as, putrid substance taint the air. [1913 Webster]

2.Fig.: To stain; to sully; to tarnish. [1913 Webster]

His unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Syn: To contaminate; defile; pollute; corrupt; infect; disease; vitiate; poison. [1913 Webster]

Taint \Taint\, n. [Cf. F. atteinte a blow, bit, stroke. See Attaint.]

1.A thrust with a lance, which fails of its intended effect. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

This taint he followed with his sword drawn from a silver sheath.— Chapman.[1913 Webster]

2.An injury done to a lance in an encounter, without its being broken; also, a breaking of a lance in an encounter in a dishonorable or unscientific manner. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Taint \Taint\, v. i.

1.To be infected or corrupted; to be touched with something corrupting. [1913 Webster]

I can not taint with fear.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To be affected with incipient putrefaction; as, meat soon taints in warm weather. [1913 Webster]

Taint \Taint\, n.

1.Tincture; hue; color; tinge. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

2.Infection; corruption; deprivation. [1913 Webster]

He had inherited from his parents a scrofulous taint, which it was beyond the power of medicine to remove.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]

3.A blemish on reputation; stain; spot; disgrace. [1913 Webster]

Taint \Taint\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tainted; p. pr. & vb. n. Tainting.] To thrust ineffectually with a lance. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Taint \Taint\, v. t.

1.To injure, as a lance, without breaking it; also, to break, as a lance, but usually in an unknightly or unscientific manner. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Do not fear; I have A staff to taint, and bravely.— Massinger.[1913 Webster]

2.To hit or touch lightly, in tilting. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

They tainted each other on the helms and passed by.— Ld. Berners.[1913 Webster]
Taint \Taint\, v. t. Aphetic form of Attaint. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Advertisement