mutilate

verb

mu·ti·late | \ ˈmyü-tə-ˌlāt

mutilated; mutilating

Definition of mutilate

1 : to cut up or alter radically so as to make imperfect the child mutilated the book with his scissors a painting mutilated by vandals

2 : to cut off or permanently destroy a limb or essential part of : cripple His arm was mutilated in the accident.

Other Words from mutilate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about mutilate

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Choose the Right Synonym for mutilate

maim, cripple, mutilate, batter, mangle mean to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage. maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence. maimed by a shark cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg. crippled for life in an accident mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function. a tree mutilated by inept pruning batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate. an old ship battered by fierce storms mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds. a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

Examples of mutilate in a Sentence

a painting mutilated by vandals was lucky not to be mutilated in the car crash

Recent Examples on the Web

Police denied news reports that Ramos had mutilated his fingertips to thwart his identification. — Brian Witte, BostonGlobe.com, "Suspect in newsroom rampage investigated for threats in 2013," 29 June 2018 The crime quickly became a tabloid sensation, partly because of the gruesome way Short's body had been mutilated, and partly due to Short's personal story. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "The True Story of I Am the Night: How the Black Dahlia and George Hodel Were Connected," 10 Feb. 2019 The young girl’s mutilated body was later found in a creek. — Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, "Man who raped and killed Florida girl, 8, draws death sentence," 2 Oct. 2018 Coggins’ mutilated body was found near Gebhardt’s residence in the city of Sunny Side, which had about 330 residents then and only 134 now. — Christian Boone, ajc, "Race takes center stage on Day One of Spalding cold case murder trial," 21 June 2018 Investigators confirmed that the body had been mutilated and set on fire. — Max Cohen, Philly.com, "Dismembered and burned body found in rural South Jersey field was that of Vineland woman, 32," 5 July 2018 The agents watch teenagers self-mutilating and girls recounting rape. — Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, "Germany Acts to Tame Facebook, Learning From Its Own History of Hate," 19 May 2018 Included in the definition of criminal trespass is the defacing, mutilating or defiling any grave marker, monument, or memorial to one or more deceased persons who served in the military service. — Fox News, "Video from 2011 creates headaches for Sinema," 12 Oct. 2018 The sign marking the place where 14-year-old Emmett’s mutilated body was found has been shot at — again. — Jameelah Nasheed, Teen Vogue, "Someone Shot the Sign Marking the Spot Emmett Till's Body Was Found — Again," 6 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutilate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.