maculate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
  2. verb spot, stain, or pollute
  3. adjective morally blemished; stained or impure

Etymology

First attested during the last quarter of the 15th century, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English maculaten (“to spoil, polute”), borrowed from Latin maculātus, perfect passive participle of maculō (“to spot”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).

In classic literature

Synonyms

tarnish, stain, sully, defile

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