What does maculate mean?
To maculate is to place a lasting mark of damage upon something, especially something valued for its purity, honesty, or reputation. Literally, the word describes covering a surface with stains or spots. Figuratively, it refers to spoiling a person’s character or an institution’s good name through misconduct, scandal, or disgrace. The expression is formal and literary, giving it a tone of gravity and moral emphasis that is stronger than the neutral language of staining but less clinical than contamination. The related adjective means marked with spots or stains and may also mean tainted or morally discredited. Although maculate is not common in everyday speech, it remains useful in elevated prose and in descriptions of conspicuous flaws, blemishes, or imperfections.
To mark with spots or stains; figuratively, to tarnish or discredit.
"The allegations maculated the senator’s reputation."
Formal and literary; especially common in figurative moral or reputational contexts.
Spotted or stained; tainted or discredited.
"The pathologist examined the maculated tissue under the microscope."
Used literally in scientific and descriptive writing and figuratively in formal literary prose.
Some paint on the wall may merely stain it, but a scandal can maculate an entire reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maculate come from?
The word comes from Latin maculatus, the participle of maculare, meaning “to stain” or “to spot.” This verb developed from macula, the Latin noun for a spot, mark, or blemish. English borrowed the Latin forms during the early modern period, and immaculate was formed later with the prefix im-, meaning “not” or “without.”
Related word forms
How maculate is actually used
This is a formal, literary, and relatively uncommon word. Its figurative use suggests a serious moral or reputational tarnish. The related adjective is often encountered in descriptions of naturally spotted or discoloured surfaces.