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Mutilate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mutilate

[หˆmjuห.tษช.leษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

criminal

To inflict serious damage on something or someone, typically resulting in disfigurement or loss of function.

Synonyms

damage, destroy, maim, mangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mutilate

Use 'mutilate' when talking about severe physical damage, often involving injury or disfigurement that is difficult to repair. This word often carries a negative or violent connotation.

  • The criminal's intent was to mutilate his victim
  • The statue was mutilated beyond recognition during the riot
mangle

Use 'mangle' for severe damage that involves crushing, twisting, or tearing. This word is often used for objects and can carry a violent implication when describing injuries to living beings.

  • The car was mangled in the crash
  • The machine malfunctioned and mangled the fabric
maim

Use 'maim' when describing serious injury that causes permanent loss of a body part or function, often in a violent context. This term carries a negative and severe implication.

  • The explosion maimed several workers
  • He was maimed for life after the accident
damage

Use 'damage' for more general harm or injury to an object, structure, or sometimes an abstract concept. It does not necessarily imply total destruction or irreparable harm.

  • The car sustained some damage in the accident
  • The heavy rains damaged the crops
destroy

Use 'destroy' when you want to indicate that something has been ruined completely, with nothing usable left. This word implies total annihilation.

  • The fire destroyed the entire building
  • The floods destroyed many homes in the region

Examples of usage

  • They mutilated the statue by chipping off its nose.
  • The victim was brutally mutilated by the attacker.
  • The documents were mutilated beyond recognition.
  • The criminal mutilated the victim's body beyond repair.
  • The artwork was mutilated beyond restoration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may mutilate objects or their own bodies as a way to express inner pain or to cope.
  • In some cases, this act can indicate deeper psychological issues that need attention and support.
  • Understanding the motivation behind such actions can help in providing the right help and care.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, body mutilation practices exist as rites of passage or cultural identity.
  • Some forms of body art, like scarification or piercings, can be seen as mutilation depending on the context and intent.
  • These practices can carry significant meaning; however, they may also raise ethical and health-related concerns.

Animal Rights

  • Mutilation is a serious issue in animal welfare, particularly in practices like tail docking and ear cropping.
  • Animal rights activists argue that these procedures often cause pain and should be illegal unless medically necessary.
  • Awareness is growing about the need for humane treatment and alternatives to such practices.

Literature

  • Mutilation appears as a theme in many literary works, symbolizing loss and transformation.
  • Authors often use the concept to illustrate character trauma or societal violence.
  • Classic literature can examine how physical harm reflects internal struggles or broader social commentary.

Origin of 'mutilate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mutilare', meaning 'to cut up'.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'mutilus', which means 'cut off' or 'maimed', showing historical connections to injury.
  • The term has been used in various forms throughout history to describe physical harm and damage.

The word 'mutilate' originated from the Latin word 'mutilatus', which means 'mutilated'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The act of mutilation has been historically associated with punishment, warfare, and criminal activities. Throughout history, mutilation has been used as a form of torture, punishment, or as a means of control. The word 'mutilate' carries a heavy and negative connotation due to its association with violence and destruction.

See also: mutilation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,430, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.