WordGarden.iolacerate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈæsərˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈlæsərˌeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to tear or cut flesh or skin deeply
to wound someone emotionally or deeply hurt their feelings
to criticize or attack someone harshly in speech or writing
Beyond the definition
To lacerate something is to cut it badly, often leaving a deep, torn wound with rough edges. Think of a wild animal's claws lacerating the flesh of its prey, or sharp glass lacerating your hand if you are not careful. It is more than a simple cut; it suggests tearing as well as cutting, with serious damage. You can also use "lacerate" in a figurative way for words or criticism that hurt someone's feelings deeply; for example, "His words lacerated her pride."
The word lacerate comes from the Latin word meaning "to mangle" or "tear apart," and it carries a strong sense of violent cutting. While "cut" simply describes separating something with an edge, to lacerate implies a ragged, deeply penetrating wound. While a surgeon makes a precise incision, a laceration is its messy, irregular counterpart—more often the result of accidental or intentional harm rather than professional precision.
Imagine a ship's sails being lacerated by a fierce storm, ripped to shreds by the wind and waves. Or picture thorny branches lacerating your skin as you stumble through dense undergrowth. The damage isn't clean; it is typically messy and extensive.
Beyond physical wounds, lacerate can be used metaphorically to describe something that severely damages someone's reputation or feelings. A scathing review might lacerate an actor's reputation, while a betrayal could lacerate a friendship.
So, if you want to convey a sense of deep, tearing damage—whether physical or emotional—lacerate is the word to use. It is far more forceful and descriptive than simply saying "cut" or "hurt."
Examples
- 1
Household injury
The broken glass lacerated his hand when he picked up the frame.
- 2
Worksite injury
He lacerated his arm on a sharp piece of metal at the worksite.
- 3
Medical report
The doctor's report said the driver's face was severely lacerated.
- Usageseverely lacerated
badly cut; common in medical or police reports
- 4
Harsh criticism
Her lacerating criticism left the whole team silent.
- Phraselacerating criticism
very harsh criticism
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lacerateverbadjective
Forms
- laceratedpast tenseverbadjective
- lacerating-ing formverbadjective
- laceratesverbadjective