mutilate

IPA

Dictionary definition of mutilate

To cause serious damage, injury, or disfigurement to something or someone.
"It's distressing to see people mutilate nature for short-term gains."

Detailed meaning of mutilate

The term can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing physical harm to a person's body or a severe alteration to an object's original form or function. The act of mutilation can be intentional or accidental, and can have varying degrees of severity. Examples of mutilation include cutting off a limb, severely burning or scarring the skin, or destroying a work of art or historical artifact. In some cases, mutilation may be used as a form of punishment, torture, or intimidation, particularly in war or conflict zones. Overall, the term "mutilate" suggests a sense of destruction, harm, and irreversibility, and is often associated with acts of violence or cruelty.

Example sentences containing mutilate

1. The vandals aimed to mutilate the ancient statue, but were caught in the act.
2. The hurricane's fierce winds threatened to mutilate the coastal town's infrastructure.
3. His reckless driving had the potential to mutilate lives on the busy highway.
4. The sharp blades of the saw could easily mutilate the wooden plank.
5. The malicious hacker attempted to mutilate the company's sensitive data.
6. The wild animal's claws could fatally mutilate its prey within seconds.

History and etymology of mutilate

The verb 'mutilate' has its roots in Latin, coming from the word 'mutilare.' In Latin, 'mutilare' meant to cut off or remove a significant part of something, often resulting in serious damage, disfigurement, or injury. This term is related to the Latin word 'mūtus,' which means 'maimed' or 'deformed.' The etymology of 'mutilate' reflects its current usage, describing the deliberate act of causing severe harm, injury, or disfigurement to someone or something by removing or damaging a substantial part. It underscores the destructive and often irreversible nature of the harm inflicted, emphasizing the loss or alteration of the original form or function.

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Further usage examples of mutilate

1. The ruthless dictator's orders sought to mutilate the nation's history and culture.
2. The factory accident tragically mutilated the worker's hand.
3. The acid spill threatened to mutilate the pristine ecosystem of the lake.
4. The explosive device was designed to mutilate the enemy's defenses.
5. The earthquake's tremors had the power to mutilate entire cityscapes.
6. Do not mutilate the documents; we might need them later.
7. Why would anyone want to mutilate such a beautiful painting?
8. They warned that acid could mutilate the metal over time.
9. Be careful with those scissors, or you might mutilate the fabric.
10. It's a crime to mutilate historical artifacts intentionally.
11. Animals can sometimes mutilate plants if left unchecked.
12. You shouldn't mutilate books by tearing out their pages.
13. Artists sometimes mutilate their own work in moments of frustration.
14. Acts of war often mutilate both landscapes and human spirits.
15. Certain pests can mutilate crops, leading to substantial losses.
16. Don't mutilate the wrapping; we can reuse it.
17. Harsh weather conditions can mutilate the exterior of buildings.
18. If you misuse this tool, you might mutilate the material.
19. The committee has made it clear that they will not mutilate the original plan.
20. If we don't intervene, the storm will mutilate our coastline.
21. It's essential to train children not to mutilate toys or belongings.
22. Some movies are so intense they seem to mutilate one's sense of reality.
23. Before we judge, let's not mutilate the truth with assumptions.
24. Machines, if not operated correctly, can mutilate the product.