Mangle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is severely damaged or disfigured, often physically.

• The machine caught his sleeve and mangled his arm.
• She mangled the paper by crumpling it up.

Often refers to the subversion or compromise of integrity, whether it be data, morality, or an organization. It carries a negative connotation.

• The file got corrupted and we lost all the data.
• The politician was found to be corrupt, having taken bribes for years.

Used when the original form or meaning of something is twisted or misrepresented, often in a figurative sense.

• The funhouse mirrors distort your reflection.
• The media can distort the facts to fit a particular narrative.

Implies disorder or mixing up of elements, often in a hurried or chaotic manner.

• I had to scramble the passwords to ensure security.
• She scrambled to get all her documents together before the meeting.

When something is severely damaged or deformed, often through rough or careless handling.

• He accidentally mangled the paper while trying to fold it.
• The car was mangled in the accident.

When things are mixed together in a disorderly fashion, often without any apparent sequence or organization.

• His desk was a jumble of papers, books, and coffee mugs.
• The drawer contained a jumble of old keys and receipts.

When a place or situation is untidy or disorganized, often implying less severity than 'chaos'.

• The kitchen was a mess after the party.
• Her room is always a mess with clothes everywhere.

When a situation is extremely disordered or confused, often involving many things happening at once without control.

• The sudden power outage caused chaos in the office.
• When the fire alarm went off, there was chaos in the building.