Meaning & use
mutilate
To inflict serious damage on a body or object, especially by cutting off or destroying a part of it.
See it in a sentence
The storm mutilated the old oak tree, tearing off half its branches.
Vandals had mutilated the statue, breaking off its nose and one arm.
A note on using this word
Mutilate is a strong word usually reserved for serious, often violent damage; avoid it for minor scratches or wear.
Words with a similar meaning
maimdisfigure
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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