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Mangling: meaning, definitions and examples

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mangling

 

[ ˈmæŋɡlɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

damaging seriously

Mangling refers to the act of severely damaging or mutilating something, often to the point of making it unusable. It can be applied to objects as well as to language, where it may describe the distortion or corruption of words. This term may also imply a clumsy attempt at doing something, resulting in a poor execution or overall quality. The use of 'mangle' can evoke images of destruction, particularly in contexts involving machinery or physical objects.

Synonyms

damage, distort, mutilate, twist

Examples of usage

  • The machine was mangling the metal sheets.
  • He mangled his speech during the presentation.
  • The storm mangled the trees in the park.
Context #2 | Noun

severe damage

In a more abstract sense, mangling can refer to the result of such damage or distortion. It suggests an outcome where the integrity of the original object or text has been compromised. The connotation is usually negative, indicating the loss of clarity or function due to the mangling process. This term can be particularly relevant in discussions involving art, literature, or manufacturing.

Synonyms

deformation, disfigurement, ruin

Examples of usage

  • The mangling of the original text altered its meaning.
  • There was a noticeable mangling of the sound in the recording.

Translations

Translations of the word "mangling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfiguração

🇮🇳 विकृत करना

🇩🇪 Verzerrung

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 спотворення

🇵🇱 zniekształcenie

🇯🇵 歪曲

🇫🇷 déformation

🇪🇸 desfiguración

🇹🇷 bozma

🇰🇷 왜곡

🇸🇦 تشويه

🇨🇿 zkreslení

🇸🇰 skreslenie

🇨🇳 扭曲

🇸🇮 izkrivljanje

🇮🇸 skekkja

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 გამრუდება

🇦🇿 deformasiya

🇲🇽 desfiguración

Word origin

The term 'mangle' originates from the Latin word 'mangulare', which means 'to mutilate' or 'to maim'. This word made its way into Middle English as 'manglen' around the 14th century, where it referred to the act of damaging or tearing apart. Initially used in the context of physical injury or damage, it evolved to also encompass figurative meanings, especially in relation to language and communication. Over time, 'mangling' has been employed in various contexts, from mechanical terms in industrial settings to more abstract notions of corrupting or misrepresenting something, highlighting its versatility and enduring relevance in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,094, 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.