What does nigrify mean?
Nigrify is a rare English verb with both a literal and a figurative meaning. Literally, it means to make something black or dark, as through the application of ink, pigment, or shadow. Figuratively, it means to represent a person, group, achievement, or idea as inferior, objectionable, or disreputable. The word belongs to a now largely outdated vocabulary of racialized description and criticism, so its figurative use can sound deliberately severe or historically charged. In modern writing, it is encountered more often in academic, literary, or critical discussion than in everyday speech. Its literal sense is chiefly artistic or descriptive, whereas the figurative sense has sharply negative connotations and should therefore be used with attention to context and audience.
verbTo make black or dark; figuratively, to represent someone or something as inferior, objectionable, or disreputable.
- To make black or dark.
- To represent someone or something as inferior, objectionable, or disreputable.
"The article was criticized for nigrifying the movement's achievements."
"The artist used a thin wash to nigrify the background of the portrait."
"The campaign was accused of nigrifying its opponents rather than addressing their arguments."
Literally meaning “make black,” nigrify can also blacken someone's reputation—and its rarity does not make its racial overtones harmless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nigrify come from?
Nigrify combines the Latin niger, meaning “black,” with the English suffix -ify, meaning “to make” or “to become.” The same Latin root underlies English words including nigritude and nigrescent, as well as negritude and negro through later French and Spanish formations. The verb's figurative sense reflects the older association of darkness with inferiority and moral or racial judgment. Today it is uncommon outside specialized or critical discussion.
Related word forms
How nigrify is actually used
This is a rare, somewhat literary word. The literal color sense is relatively neutral, but the figurative sense can evoke racist or discriminatory attitudes, especially when applied to a person or group.