Meaning & use
permanent disfigurement
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable or uncountableformalmedicallegal
A lasting change to someone's appearance caused by injury, disease, or surgery, which cannot be repaired.
Grammar: Can be used with 'a' or without an article: 'suffered permanent disfigurement' or 'a permanent disfigurement'.
Patterns
- suffer permanent disfigurement
- cause permanent disfigurement
- risk of permanent disfigurement
The accident left him with permanent disfigurement to his face.
Patients were warned that the surgery could cause permanent disfigurement.
She received compensation for the permanent disfigurement caused by the fire.
Common combinations
- suffer permanent disfigurement
- Many burn victims suffer permanent disfigurement.
- cause permanent disfigurement
- The disease can cause permanent disfigurement if left untreated.
- risk of permanent disfigurement
- There is a small risk of permanent disfigurement from the procedure.
- compensation for permanent disfigurement
- The court awarded her compensation for permanent disfigurement.
Synonyms and how they differ
- scarring
- Usually refers to marks left on the skin; 'permanent disfigurement' is a broader and more formal term.
- deformity
- Often refers to a congenital or structural abnormality; 'permanent disfigurement' usually results from injury or disease.
Word family
- disfigure verb
- To spoil the appearance of someone or something.
- disfigured adjective
- Having the appearance spoiled by injury or disease.
Commonly confused: permanent disfigurement or disfigurement?
permanent disfigurement vs disfigurement
This is the general noun; 'permanent disfigurement' emphasizes that the condition cannot be reversed.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'permanent disfigurement' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is used for people's appearance, not for objects like cars or buildings, and it is not an emotion.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “permanent disfigurement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.