Tainted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tainted

[ˈteɪntɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Contaminated or polluted; corrupted or spoiled.

Synonyms

contaminated, corrupted, polluted, spoiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tainted	Often used when something is affected by an undesirable quality. It can also imply dishonesty or moral corruption. The evidence was tainted and couldn’t be used in court. His reputation was tainted by the scandal.
contaminated	Typically used in situations where something has been made impure or unsuitable for use due to contact with harmful or unclean elements. The water supply is contaminated with harmful bacteria. Food can become contaminated if not stored properly.
polluted	Commonly used to describe environments or substances that have been made dirty or harmful due to toxic materials. The river is heavily polluted with industrial waste. Air in big cities can be very polluted.
corrupted	Used when referring to something that has been altered from its original condition, often with negative or dishonest intentions. The data was corrupted and couldn’t be retrieved. The official was accused of being corrupted by bribes.
spoiled	Used to describe food that is no longer good to eat or children who have been given too much indulgence. The milk was spoiled because it was left out overnight. The spoiled child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get his way.

Examples of usage

The water in the pond looked tainted and dirty.
The tainted food made everyone sick.
He refused to eat the tainted meat.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

morality

To contaminate or pollute (something).

Synonyms

contaminate, corrupt, pollute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tainted	Used when something has been spoiled or ruined, often with a sense of moral or ethical degradation. His reputation was tainted by the scandal. The water supply was tainted with a harmful chemical.
contaminate	Appropriate for discussing the introduction of harmful or unwanted substances, especially in a medical or cleanliness context. The surgical instruments must be sterile and free from any contaminants. The bacteria contaminated the food, making it unsafe to eat.
pollute	Best suited for environmental context, referring to the act of making water, air, or land dirty and unsafe. Factories that pollute the river must be held accountable. Air pollution has become a serious problem in many large cities.
corrupt	Used when referring to moral or ethical degradation, often in contexts involving dishonesty or bribery. This term carries a negative connotation. The official was found to be corrupt and was removed from office. The corruption in the system needs to be addressed immediately.

Examples of usage

The scandal tainted his reputation.
The company's image was tainted by the controversy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiments show that negative experiences can 'taint' future perceptions, affecting how someone views similar situations.
The term signifies the idea of cognitive biases, where initial negative experiences influence judgment.
In psychology, a concept known as 'emotional contagion' shows how negative feelings can spread, 'tainting' a group's mood.

Pop Culture

The word 'tainted' is used in movies and songs to depict betrayal and loss of innocence, often leaving protagonists in conflict.
In television dramas, characters facing betrayal often feel 'tainted', creating dramatic tension in their relationships.
Popular music, like certain pop and rock songs, frequently references the idea of being 'tainted' by love or heartbreak, resonating with listeners.

Science

In environmental science, 'tainted' is often used to describe water, air, or soil that has been contaminated by pollutants.
Food safety discussions frequently use the term to describe ingredients that may have been affected by harmful substances.
In microbiology, a culture can become 'tainted' with unwanted bacteria, affecting experiments or product quality.

Literature

Literary works such as Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' explore themes of moral corruption, illustrating how characters become 'tainted' by their actions.
In modern fiction, characters often undergo transformations that lead to their 'taint', symbolizing the loss of purity in their journeys.
Classic novels often use the notion of 'taint' to depict societal issues, where characters struggle against corrupting influences around them.

Origin of 'tainted'

Main points about word origin

The word 'tainted' comes from the Old French 'teint', which means to dye or color.
In Middle English, it evolved to 'tainten', meaning to touch or influence negatively.
The prefix 'taint-' is associated with contamination or making something undesirable.

The word 'tainted' comes from the Middle English 'teynted', which means 'tinged, stained, corrupted'. It has roots in the Old French 'teint', meaning 'color, dye'. Over time, the word took on the meaning of being contaminated or spoiled. The concept of taint has been associated with moral corruption and pollution, leading to its modern usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,243, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14240 escalation
14241 tagged
14242 slap
14243 tainted
14244 distort
14245 peremptory
14246 progesterone
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