Mutilation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in severe situations where a body part is severely damaged or removed, often intentionally. It usually carries a strong negative connotation.

• The torture resulted in the mutilation of several prisoners
• The ancient artifact was found with signs of intentional mutilation

Describes a situation where someone’s appearance is altered, usually in an unattractive way, often due to injury, disease, or surgery. It is typically used when focusing on the change in looks.

• She feared disfigurement after the accident left her face scarred
• The disease caused severe facial disfigurement

Implies severe and often permanent damage to a body part, causing it to lose its function. It typically involves a violent or harmful act.

• The soldiers were maimed by landmines
• The brutal attack left him maimed for life

A general term for any kind of physical harm or damage to the body. It can range from minor to severe and doesn’t necessarily imply permanency.

• He suffered a minor injury while playing soccer
• The car crash led to multiple serious injuries

This word is often used to describe severe and intentional acts of damage, especially to a body, whether human or animal. It can also be used metaphorically for severe destruction of inanimate objects. It has a very strong negative connotation.

• The victim suffered mutilation at the hands of the attackers.
• The ancient statue showed signs of severe mutilation.

This term is used to describe harm or destruction to an object, property, or even a reputation. It can be both physical and metaphorical and does not necessarily imply intent. The severity can vary from minor to significant.

• The storm caused extensive damage to the roof.
• His careless words damaged their friendship.

This word is appropriate when describing something that has been completely destroyed or spoiled, often beyond repair. It can also refer to causing someone to lose all their money or status. The context can be both physical and abstract.

• The ancient castle now lies in ruins.
• The scandal ruined his political career.

Use this word when referring to the intentional damaging or disfiguring of the surface or appearance of something, especially something public or valuable like a monument, wall, or property. It often has a legal implication.

• Vandals defaced the public library with graffiti.
• Someone defaced the painting by scratching it.