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Lacerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ช
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lacerate

[หˆlรฆs.ษ™.reษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical injury

To lacerate means to tear or cut something, especially the skin or flesh, in a jagged or irregular way. This term is often used in medical contexts to describe injuries that involve a deep cut or gash.

Synonyms

cut, gash, rip, slash, tear.

Examples of usage

  • He accidentally lacerated his hand with the broken glass.
  • The animal's claws lacerated the hunter's leg.
  • The surgeon had to repair the lacerated tissue carefully.
  • The tree branch lacerated her shoulder as she fell.
  • The accident resulted in several lacerations that required stitches.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • In medicine, a laceration refers to a deep cut or tear in the skin, often requiring stitches.
  • Lacerations can be categorized by their depth and severity, affecting the treatment required.

Literature

  • The word has been used in various literary contexts, often to describe violent or emotional experiences, enhancing dramatic effect.
  • Authors may use the term metaphorically to express inner turmoil, as in 'her heart was lacerated by grief'.

Pop Culture

  • Lacerations are common themes in horror films, often depicting injuries that characters suffer during violent encounters.
  • In video games, lacerate can describe attacks that deal severe damage, enhancing the action and adventure elements.

Psychology

  • The term is sometimes used to describe emotional pain, such as feeling lacerated when hurt by someoneโ€™s words or actions.
  • Understanding how one's feelings can be 'lacerated' helps in discussing emotional trauma and healing.

Origin of 'lacerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'lacerare', which means 'to tear' or 'to mutilate'.
  • It's related to the Latin word 'lacer', meaning 'torn' or 'mangled', reflecting its meaning of cutting deeply.

The word 'lacerate' originates from the Latin term 'lacerare', which means 'to tear' or 'to rend'. This, in turn, comes from 'lacero', meaning 'to tear away', deriving from the related adjective 'lacer', meaning 'mangled' or 'torn'. 'Lacerate' was incorporated into the English language in the early 17th century, retaining much of its original meaning related to tearing or cutting. Its usage has primarily remained in medical and descriptive contexts, especially in literature discussing injuries, wounds, and physical trauma.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,229 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.