distain
UK: dɪˈsteɪn | US: dɪˈsteɪn
vt. to stain or discolor; to tarnish (literal or figurative)
vt. (archaic) to treat with contempt; to disdain
The word "distain" originates from Old French desteindre (to remove color), combining the prefix dis- (expressing reversal or negation) and teindre (to dye, from Latin tingere, meaning "to moisten or color"). Over time, it evolved to mean both literal staining (e.g., soiling) and figurative degradation (e.g., dishonor). The archaic sense of "contempt" aligns with the idea of "holding apart" (dis- + tain), reflecting disdain.
The spilled wine distained the white tablecloth.
His actions distained the family’s reputation.
(Archaic) She would not distain to speak with commoners.
Pollution has distained the river’s pristine waters.
The scandal distained his political career irreparably.