body modification

American  

[bod-ee mod-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˈbɒd i mɒd ə fɪˌkeɪ ʃən /

Also body mod

noun

1. any method of making permanent changes to the body, including piercing, tattooing, subdermal implants, etc., usually for aesthetic purposes or personal expression.

2. a permanent change made to the body by piercing, tattooing, implants, etc.

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body modification British  

noun

1. any method of permanently adorning the body, including tattooing and piercing

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Etymology

Origin of body modification

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Mr Gustavson, 45, is accused of leading an extreme body modification operation.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023

One of the surgeons has started offering a “tongue bifurcation” procedure wherein the tongue is split down the middle, creating a lizardlike appearance for patients who are interested in body modification.

From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2022

Brazilian tattoo artist Michel Faro Prado has taken body modification to a new level by transforming himself into a devil look-alike.

From Reuters • Aug. 20, 2021

Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for city environment, said it exposed the need for national regulations protecting members of the public against the risks of extreme body modification.

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2019

And you are angry at the correct person, the adult who lied on the form and allowed your teenager to get a permanent body modification that you had explicitly forbidden her to get.

From Slate