What does it mean to "taint" something?

To "taint" something means to affect it with something harmful or undesirable. This term often carries connotations of contamination or spoilage, implying that the original purity or quality of the item or idea has been compromised. In various contexts, such as food safety, ethics, or reputation, tainting signifies the introduction of negative elements that can lead to a degradation of the overall integrity.

For example, a food item can be tainted by bacteria, rendering it unsafe for consumption. In a metaphorical sense, someone's reputation can be tainted by a scandal, suggesting that the public perception has been negatively impacted. Thus, the core meaning revolves around the introduction of an adverse influence, which highlights the damaging effect of tainting something.