What does lapidate mean?
Lapidate is a rare English word with both adjectival and verbal uses. As an adjective, it describes something made of stone or inscribed on stone, often in reference to inscriptions, monuments, or ancient objects. As a verb, it means to turn something into stone or transform it into a stony state, a sense frequently encountered in mythological, legendary, or figurative contexts. The word belongs to specialized, elevated English rather than ordinary conversation, so it may sound archaic or deliberately literary. Its familiar relative, lapidary, refers both to a person who cuts or engraves gemstones and to practices connected with gemstones and stones. Lapidate is nevertheless useful because it precisely joins two related ideas: stone as the material of an object and stone as the result of a transformation. In descriptions of antiquities or classical inscriptions, it conveys both material and historical distinction without sounding merely ornamental.
Made of stone or inscribed on stone.
"Scholars deciphered the weathered lapidate inscription."
Rare and literary, especially common in archaeological or epigraphic descriptions.
To turn something into stone or transform it into a stony state.
"The charm made the prince lapidate in an instant."
Rare, archaic, or literary; often used in mythological and figurative contexts.
Lapidate preserves an ancient warning in a single word: its verbal meaning is to turn something into stone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lapidate come from?
Lapidate comes through Latin from lapis, meaning “stone,” with the verb-forming suffix -āre in lapidāre, “to stone” or “to make into stone.” Its adjective form is associated with Latin lapidātus, a participial form meaning stoned, made of stone, or inscribed on stone. Related English words include lapidary, lapidation, and lapidified, all of which continue the same long-established Latin root.
Related word forms
How lapidate is actually used
This is an uncommon, markedly literary or archaic word. The adjective is especially associated with descriptions of inscriptions and objects, while the verb occurs chiefly in historical, mythological, or figurative writing.
Easily confused with lapidate
Lapidate describes something made of stone or inscribed on stone, whereas lapidary more commonly means a gemstone cutter or a work relating to gemstones.