taints

Introduces subtle impurity

Taints is the plural of taint—a trace of contamination, corruption, or spoilage: The taints of mold ruined the batch.

In computing, taints are markers that track potentially unsafe data through a system.

As a verb form, taints means to contaminate or corrupt: Suspicion taints every interaction.

Taint is also vulgar slang for the perineum—the area between anus and genitals—from the joke that it "t'ain't one and t'ain't the other."

stains

spot

Mark or location

blot · smudge · blood · evidence · fabric · clothing · surface · trace · residue · permanent

corrupts

corruption

Dishonest abuse of power

dishonesty · immorality · degradation · vice · malfeasance · misconduct · impropriety · influence · reputation · integrity

contaminates

contamination

Introduction of impurities

bacteria · pathogen · exposure · unsafe · recall · cross-contamination · adulteration · impurity · residue · chemical

Categories
Opposites
purity/contamination

taintspurifies

Removes unwanted substances

cleanses · disinfects · sanitizes · decontaminates · sterilizes

reputation/honor

taintshonors

Recognition for achievement

vindicates · exonerates · clears · respects · rehabilitates

quality/integrity

taintsenhances

Increases quality or appeal

improves · preserves · protects · perfects · enriches

Phrases
Family

taint, tainted, untainted, tainting

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13