Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Disfigure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค•
Add to dictionary

disfigure

[dษชsหˆfษชษก.jษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

injuries

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

Synonyms

deface, deform, mutilate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disfigure

Used when something is damaged or altered in a way that spoils its appearance but doesnโ€™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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'disfigure'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'disfigure' originated from the Latin word 'disfigurare', which means 'to disfigure'. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation or reversal, while 'figurare' comes from 'figura' meaning 'shape' or 'form'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of damaging or spoiling the appearance of something or someone.

See also: figuration, figurative, figures, figurine, figurines, prefigure, transfiguration.

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.