Lacerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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lacerate

 

[ˈlæs.ə.reɪt ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 someone’s words or actions.
  • Understanding how one's feelings can be 'lacerated' helps in discussing emotional trauma and healing.

Translations

Translations of the word "lacerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lacerar

🇮🇳 चीरना

🇩🇪 zerreißen

🇮🇩 merobek

🇺🇦 розривати

🇵🇱 rozerwać

🇯🇵 裂く

🇫🇷 déchirer

🇪🇸 desgarrar

🇹🇷 yırtmak

🇰🇷 찢다

🇸🇦 تمزق

🇨🇿 trhat

🇸🇰 roztrhnúť

🇨🇳 撕裂

🇸🇮 raztrgati

🇮🇸 rifa

🇰🇿 жырту

🇬🇪 გატეხვა

🇦🇿 cırmaq

🇲🇽 desgarrar

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.