Mutilating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚔️
mutilating
[ˌmjuːtɪˈleɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
physical harm
Mutilating refers to the act of inflicting severe damage or injury to a person or an animal, often resulting in the loss of a body part or serious alteration of appearance. It is a deliberate act that can be motivated by various reasons, including punishment, revenge, or a distorted sense of justice. This term is typically used in contexts involving violence or extreme cruelty. Mutilation can also describe the process of damaging or ruining objects or artworks.
Synonyms
disfiguring, injuring, maiming, wrecking.
Examples of usage
- The criminal was charged with mutilating his victim.
- The animal had been mutilated beyond recognition.
- Reports indicated that the vandal had been mutilating public sculptures.
- The horror movie featured scenes of mutilating creatures.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychological contexts, the act of mutilation can occur due to extreme emotional distress or trauma.
- Self-mutilation is a behavior some individuals engage in as a coping mechanism for mental health issues.
Legal Perspectives
- In some legal systems, mutilation has been associated with forms of punishment considered cruel or inhumane.
- Laws often protect against mutilation especially in contexts of animal cruelty and in the treatment of victims in violent crimes.
Cultural Context
- Certain cultures have historical practices of body modification, which can be viewed as forms of mutilation or cultural expression.
- Cultural taboos often surround practices involving the mutilation of the body, adding layers to their social implications.
Media Representation
- In horror films and literature, mutilation is frequently used to evoke fear or showcase the brutality of a character.
- Many critics argue that the depiction of mutilation in media reflects societal anxieties about violence and control.
Origin of 'mutilating'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mutilate' comes from the Latin 'mutilare,' meaning 'to cut off or injure.'
- It originally referred to physical injuries that resulted in the loss of limbs or body parts.
The word 'mutilate' derives from the Latin 'mutilatus', which means 'to cut off a part'. 'Mutilatus' is formed from the root word 'mutilus', meaning 'maimed' or 'defective'. In English, the term began to be used around the late 14th century, primarily in contexts related to physical injury inflicted on living beings. Over time, its usage evolved to encompass not only physical harm but also damage to inanimate objects and artworks. The concept of mutilation carries a heavy connotation of violence and intentional cruelty, reflecting societal concerns regarding the treatment of individuals, animals, and cultural heritage. Today, the term is frequently employed in legal discussions, horror literature, and accounts of war atrocities, emphasizing the gravity and severity of the act.