maculate meaning and definition

MACULATE verb

Definition of maculate (verb)

1. make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
   • "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man"
   • synonyms: defile, stain, sully, tarnish
2. spot, stain, or pollute
   • "The townspeople defiled the river by emptying raw sewage into it"
   • synonyms: befoul, defile, foul

MACULATE adjective

Definition of maculate (adjective)

1. morally blemished; stained or impure
   • synonyms: defiled
2. spotted or blotched