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Doctored: meaning, definitions and examples

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doctored

 

[ ˈdɒktərd ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

altered documents

To have doctored something generally means to alter it in a way that is often deceptive or misleading. This could refer to changing documents, images, or even recordings to achieve a desired outcome that does not reflect the truth. The term carries a negative connotation, as it implies an intention to mislead or commit fraud. In a medical context, 'doctored' can also refer to tampering with prescription medications, highlighting the seriousness of the act.

Synonyms

falsified, modified, tampered.

Examples of usage

  • The evidence was found to be doctored before the trial.
  • He admitted to having doctored the photos for the competition.
  • The report was doctored to hide the real financial situation.
Context #2 | Adjective

manipulated content

When something is described as doctored, it usually means it has been manipulated to serve a specific agenda or purpose. This manipulation often distorts the original meaning or intention behind the content. For example, images or videos that have been doctored may not represent reality accurately, leading to misinformation.

Synonyms

altered, changed, revised.

Examples of usage

  • The doctored images sparked controversy among the viewers.
  • He showed a doctored version of the video to support his claim.
  • Critics argued that the article contained doctored statistics.

Etymology

The term 'doctored' originates from the verb 'doctor', which itself comes from the Latin word 'docere', meaning 'to teach'. Over time, 'doctor' evolved to refer to someone with medical training or an expert in a particular field. By the mid-19th century, the verb form began to be used in English to indicate the act of treating or altering something with skilled precision. Its negative connotation developed later, particularly in the 20th century, as the act of 'doctoring' became associated with deceit and manipulation, especially in the context of photographs, documents, and data. This reflects a broader cultural understanding of authenticity and trust in information sources, where the manipulation of content could have serious implications for truth and integrity.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,739, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.