a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful.

a trace of infection, contamination, or the like.

a trace of dishonor or discredit.

Obsolete . color; tint.

to modify by or as if by a trace of something offensive or deleterious.

to infect, contaminate, corrupt, or spoil.

to sully or tarnish (a person's name, reputation, etc.).

Obsolete . to color or tint.

to become tainted; spoil.

noun

cleanliness , perfection

verb

clean , right

noun

black mark , blemish , blot , contagion , defect , disgrace , dishonor , fault , flaw , infection , pollution , shame , smear , spot , stain , stigma , black eye , onus , tarnish , cloud , contamination , corruption , defilement , maculation , reproach , vitiation

verb

adulterate , besmirch , blacken , blemish , blight , blot , blur , brand , break down , cast a slur , cloud , cook , corrupt , crud up , crumble , cut , damage , debase , decay , decompose , defile , deprave , discolor , discredit , disgrace , dishonor , disintegrate , doctor , foul , give a bad name , harm , hurt , infect , muddy , poison , pollute , putrefy , rot , shame , smear , soil , spike , spoil , stain , stigmatize , sully , tar , tarnish , trash * , turn , water , water down , deteriorate , molder , contaminate , befoul , besmear , bespatter , denigrate , dirty , smudge , smut , spatter , blow , color , imbue , impregnate , ruin , spot , stigma , tinge , tint , touch , trace , vitiate