What does poxed mean?
“Poxed” is chiefly an adjective and past-tense verb form of “pox.” In its figurative sense, it describes something spoiled, ruined, or brought into disrepute, often by scandal, failure, or persistent neglect: “The project was poxed by months of missed deadlines.” The metaphor carries a strong sense of contamination: what was once sound has been damaged beyond easy repair and now damages the standing of the whole enterprise. The literal historical meaning is also possible. A person or object can be “poxed” when affected by the pox, an old name for a severe eruptive disease, or marked with its characteristic pocks or lesions. These literal uses are now uncommon, whereas the figurative sense is the one most speakers are likely to encounter. “Poxed” is an informal, vivid word rather than neutral formal vocabulary. It is especially useful when the cause of a ruin is more than simple inconvenience: a reputation, product, organization, or effort has been tainted so thoroughly that its usefulness or credibility has collapsed. In a phrase such as “a poxed face,” it also preserves echoes of the word’s older medical associations.
Affected by pox or marked with pocks; figuratively, ruined, spoiled, or discredited.
"The film's reputation was poxed by its disastrous release."
The figurative adjective is informal and conveys thorough damage or contamination.
To infect with or cause to suffer from pox; figuratively, to ruin or discredit.
"The scandal poxed the politician's career."
The verb is uncommon in modern literal use but is used figuratively in informal contexts.
Poxed can mean literally afflicted—or figuratively so discredited that it ruins everything it touches.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poxed come from?
“Poxed” is formed from “pox” with the suffix -ed. “Pox” came through Middle English from Old English “pocc,” ultimately from Latin “pustula,” meaning a pustule or blister, and developed alongside the variant “pock.” The verb “pox” historically meant to infect with or cause to suffer from the disease and later acquired the figurative sense of ruining or discrediting.
How poxed is actually used
The figurative senses are informal and strongly negative. The literal medical sense is uncommon today and is mainly historical or literary.
Easily confused with poxed
Poxed means affected by pox or figuratively ruined, whereas pocked means marked or pitted with small depressions.