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Eviscerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eviscerate

[ɪˈvɪs.ə.reɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

surgical removal

To eviscerate means to remove the internal organs of a body, typically in a surgical context. In broader usage, it can also refer to the act of removing the essential parts or contents of something, leaving it hollow or devoid of its vital attributes. This term is often used in both medical and metaphorical contexts, indicating a thorough stripping away of vital components or functions.

Synonyms

disembowel, extract, gut, remove.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon had to eviscerate the tumor during the operation.
  • The proposal eviscerated the original plan, leaving it ineffective.
  • They had to eviscerate the fish before cooking it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Gothic literature, authors often use the term to evoke horror, describing the brutal severing of life forces.
  • The word appears in classic novels to depict intense battle scenes or the aftermath of violence, emphasizing loss and vulnerability.
  • Contemporary horror films often portray characters eviscerated as a dramatic plot device reflecting human fragility.

Science

  • In biological studies, the term is used to describe the dissection of organisms to understand their internal structures.
  • Research on gut health highlights the importance of organs traditionally involved in the evisceration process, such as the intestines.
  • Veterinary practices may also employ this term when discussing surgical procedures on animals.

Cultural References

  • The term is often used in horror movies or books to describe gruesome scenes, creating dramatic tension.
  • In video games, the word usually refers to graphic depictions of violence, targeting an audience that enjoys action and horror.
  • Metaphorically, it’s used in political discourse to describe stripping away controversial laws or policies.

Psychology

  • The visceral imagery of evisceration can evoke fear and anxiety; it's a powerful metaphor in discussions about vulnerability.
  • Some studies suggest that graphic representations in media may desensitize viewers to violence, affecting perceptions of reality.
  • Symbolically, evisceration is sometimes linked to themes of trauma–removing discomforting parts of our experiences.

Origin of 'eviscerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'eviscerare', where 'ex' means 'out of' and 'viscera' means 'internal organs'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially in a literal context relating to animals.
  • The term has expanded to metaphorical uses in literature and discussion, indicating thorough removal of anything essential.

The word 'eviscerate' originates from the Latin 'eviscerare', where 'e-' is a prefix meaning 'out of' and 'viscera' means 'internal organs'. It has been used since the late 16th century in English, initially in the context of anatomical processes and surgeries. Over time, its usage has expanded to include figurative language, often to describe processes that strip away essential elements, whether in writing, arguments, or conceptual discussions. The evolution of the term reflects a shift from a strictly medical context to a more metaphorical usage, highlighting the act of rendering something void or ineffective.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,620, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.