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Maroon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maroon

[məˈruːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

color

A dark brownish-red color.

Synonyms

burgundy, crimson, ruby.

Examples of usage

  • The flag was a deep maroon color.
  • She wore a maroon dress to the party.
Context #2 | Verb

abandon

To abandon or leave someone in a place from which they cannot escape.

Synonyms

cast away, desert, strand.

Examples of usage

  • The pirates marooned their enemies on a deserted island.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Maroon is often used in art and design to evoke feelings of warmth and stability, making it popular in home decor.
  • In fashion, maroon is considered a sophisticated color, often seen in fall collections and formal wear.

Psychology

  • The color maroon can evoke emotions of power and ambition, and may encourage a sense of grounding and security.
  • People often associate darker tones like maroon with maturity and confidence, making it a popular choice in branding.

Pop Culture

  • Maroon is famously associated with the hit band Maroon 5, which made the color part of their identity.
  • In literature, marooned characters often face adventures and challenges, capturing imaginations in stories and movies.

Nature

  • Maroon is the color of many autumn leaves, symbolizing the change of seasons and the beauty of nature's cycles.
  • Several fruits, like plums and cranberries, exhibit maroon colors when ripe, indicating health and nutrition.

Origin of 'maroon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'maroon' comes from the French word 'marron', which means chestnut, referring to the similar color.
  • In the 18th century, the term was also used to describe escaped slaves who formed their own communities in the wilderness.

The word 'maroon' originally referred to a type of fugitive slave community in the West Indies. These communities, also known as 'Maroons', were descendants of enslaved Africans who had escaped from plantations and formed their own settlements. Over time, the term came to be associated with the dark brownish-red color that was often worn by the Maroons. Today, 'maroon' is commonly used to describe both the color and the act of abandoning someone in a remote place.

See also: marooned.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,273, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.