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Mutilated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mutilated

[ˈmjuːtɪleɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical damage

Mutilated refers to something that has been severely injured or damaged, often in a way that is grotesque or disfiguring. It usually implies a loss of essential parts that can lead to the inability to function normally. This term can apply to both living beings and inanimate objects. In a broader sense, it can also refer to alterations that render something unusable or unrecognizable.

Synonyms

damaged, deformed, disfigured, maimed.

Examples of usage

  • The mutilated body was discovered in the woods.
  • The artwork was mutilated by vandals.
  • He did not want to mutilate the evidence during the investigation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, different cultures have practiced mutilation for reasons ranging from warfare to punishment, often leaving deep psychological scars.
  • Mutilation is referenced in various forms of art and literature, symbolizing loss, trauma, and the consequences of violence.

Psychological Impact

  • Witnessing or experiencing mutilation can lead to significant psychological distress, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who have experienced such trauma may struggle with body image and self-perception.

Media Representation

  • Horror films often depict mutilation to elicit fear, showcasing the worst aspects of human violence.
  • In contemporary literature and art, the topic of mutilation is explored to critique societal norms and express trauma.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions

  • Mutilation is often regarded as a violation of human rights, with legal frameworks established to protect individuals from such acts.
  • Debates arise in medical ethics around procedures that may be seen as mutilative, balancing necessity against bodily integrity.

Origin of 'mutilated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mutilare', meaning 'to cut off', emphasizing the idea of destruction or loss.
  • The Latin root stems from 'mutilus', meaning 'maimed' or 'defective', indicating something broken in form or function.

The word 'mutilated' derives from the Latin verb 'mutilare', which means 'to cut off' or 'to maim'. The root of this term is 'mutilus', meaning 'broken' or 'crippled'. Initially, it appeared in English in the late 14th century and has been used to describe various forms of injury and damage, particularly in a context that emphasizes loss and irreversible harm. Over time, the usage of 'mutilated' expanded from physical mutilation to metaphorical applications, indicating any form of serious damage or degradation. The term remains potent in discussions surrounding violence, crime, and the treatment of bodies, often inciting strong emotional responses due to its associations with brutality and suffering.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,998, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.