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Disfigure: meaning, definitions and examples

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disfigure

 

[dɪsˈfɪɡ.jər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

injuries

Spoil the appearance of (something) by defacing or damaging it.

Synonyms

deface, deform, mutilate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disfigure

Used when something is damaged or altered in a way that spoils its appearance but doesn’t necessarily affect its function. Often used in relation to people or objects.

  • The accident disfigured his face.
  • Graffiti disfigured the old church walls.
deface

Typically used for damaging the surface or appearance of an object, often deliberately. Commonly used in legal or property contexts such as vandalism.

  • Someone defaced the public monument with spray paint.
  • The vandals defaced the school walls with offensive symbols.
deform

Used when something is changed in shape, structure, or appearance, often implying a physical alteration. This word can be used more neutrally but sometimes carries a negative connotation.

  • The heat deformed the plastic bottle.
  • A genetic condition may deform bones.
mutilate

Used when something is severely damaged or injured, often implying a brutal or violent act. Has a strong negative connotation and is frequently used in medical or violent contexts.

  • The animal was mutilated by a predator.
  • His hand was mutilated in the industrial accident.

Examples of usage

  • He was disfigured in the accident.
  • The statue had been disfigured by vandals.
Context #2 | Verb

faces

Spoil or mar the attractiveness of.

Synonyms

blemish, distort, scar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disfigure

Used to describe damage or a change in appearance, often in a severe or permanent way.

  • The burn disfigured his face
  • Vandals disfigured the statue with spray paint
blemish

Typically refers to minor imperfections on the skin or on an object, not usually implying severe damage.

  • A small blemish appeared on her cheek
  • The table had a tiny blemish on its surface
distort

Describes the alteration of shape, sound, or perception in a way that typically leads to a misrepresentation.

  • The funhouse mirrors distort your reflection
  • The facts of the story were distorted by the media
scar

Used to refer to a mark left on skin after a wound has healed. Can also metaphorically describe a lasting emotional impact.

  • He has a scar on his arm from the surgery
  • The tragedy left an emotional scar on her heart

Examples of usage

  • His scars disfigured his face.
  • The graffiti disfigured the beautiful mural.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'disfigurare', which means 'to unshape' or 'to distort'.
  • It combines 'dis-' meaning 'opposite' or 'away' and 'figure' meaning 'shape'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century.

Art

  • In art, distortion and disfigurement can be used to convey emotion or challenge beauty standards.
  • Some modern artists intentionally create disfigured forms to provoke thought on societal norms regarding aesthetics.
  • Disfigurement in the context of arts like sculpture may reflect the impermanence and flaws of the human experience.

Psychology

  • People's perception of beauty is often tied to symmetry; disfigurement can thus alter how we view self and others.
  • Studies show that individuals with perceived disfigurements may face social stigma, affecting their mental health and self-esteem.
  • Disfigurement can also lead to unique coping mechanisms, promoting resilience and a deeper understanding of identity.

Medicine

  • In medicine, disfigurement often occurs due to accidents, surgeries, or diseases affecting the skin or body.
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery aim to restore or improve the appearance of disfigured body parts.
  • Psychological support is crucial for individuals facing disfigurement, addressing emotional and social challenges.

Cultural Perceptions

  • Different cultures have various standards of beauty; what is considered disfigured in one context could be viewed differently elsewhere.
  • In some societies, physical disfigurement may carry significant stigma, while in others, it might symbolize strength or unique identity.
  • Art and literature often explore themes of disfigurement as a metaphor for inner struggles or societal judgments.

Translations

Translations of the word "disfigure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfigurar

🇮🇳 विकृत करना

🇩🇪 entstellen

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 спотворювати

🇵🇱 oszpecić

🇯🇵 傷つける (kizutsukeru)

🇫🇷 défigurer

🇪🇸 desfigurar

🇹🇷 çirkinleştirmek

🇰🇷 흉하게 만들다 (hyunghage mandeulda)

🇸🇦 يشوه

🇨🇿 znetvořit

🇸🇰 znetvoriť

🇨🇳 毁容 (huǐróng)

🇸🇮 iznakažiti

🇮🇸 afmynda

🇰🇿 жарқындату

🇬🇪 სახის დამახინჯება

🇦🇿 eybəcərləşdirmək

🇲🇽 desfigurar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,819, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.