Battered: meaning, definitions and examples

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battered

 

[ ˈbætərd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

physical state

Battered refers to something that has been damaged, beaten, or worn down by repeated impact or hardship. It can describe objects, like furniture or vehicles, that show signs of wear, or be used to refer to individuals who have been subjected to physical or emotional abuse.

Synonyms

beaten, damaged, hurt, worn

Examples of usage

  • The battered car was hardly drivable.
  • She left the relationship feeling battered and broken.
  • The battered old chair sat in the corner, a remnant of better days.
Context #2 | Verb

to abuse

To batter means to hit repeatedly with force. This term often refers to physical assault, where an individual is hit multiple times causing injury or pain.

Synonyms

assault, hit, pummel, strike

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for battering his partner.
  • The storm battered the coastal town for hours.
  • They batter the dough until it is smooth.

Translations

Translations of the word "battered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espancado

🇮🇳 मार दिया गया

🇩🇪 geschlagen

🇮🇩 dipukuli

🇺🇦 побитий

🇵🇱 pobity

🇯🇵 打たれた

🇫🇷 battu

🇪🇸 golpeado

🇹🇷 dövülmüş

🇰🇷 맞은

🇸🇦 مُضَرَّب

🇨🇿 bitý

🇸🇰 pobitý

🇨🇳 受伤的

🇸🇮 pretepen

🇮🇸 sleginn

🇰🇿 ұрып-соғылған

🇬🇪 გატეხილი

🇦🇿 döyülmüş

🇲🇽 golpeado

Etymology

The word 'battered' comes from the Old French word 'battre', which means 'to beat'. It has evolved through Middle English as 'battred', reflecting forms of abuse or repeated strikes. Over time, its meanings expanded to not only physical damage but also emotional and psychological trauma. The usage of 'battered' often conveys a sense of victimization, making it a powerful term in both legal and social contexts. The earliest documented uses date back to the 14th century, illustrating its longstanding presence in the English language. Its association with domestic abuse has heightened public awareness and spurred movements aiming to protect vulnerable individuals. Today, 'battered' captures both the physical implications of damage and the deeper emotional scars left by abusive situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,098, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.