disfigure

[dis-fig-yer, dis-fig-er]

verb (used with object)

disfigured, disfiguring 

1. to mar the appearance or beauty of; deform; deface.

   Our old towns are increasingly disfigured by tasteless new buildings.

   Synonyms: blemish, spoil
   Antonyms: beautify

2. to mar the effect or excellence of.

   His reputation was disfigured by instances of political favoritism.

disfigure

/ dɪsˈfɪɡə /

verb

1. to spoil the appearance or shape of; deface

2. to mar the effect or quality of

Other Word Forms

• disfigurer noun
• undisfigured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disfigure¹

1325–75; Middle English disfiguren < Anglo-French, Old French desfigurer, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -figurer, verbal derivative of figure figure

Synonym Study

See mar.

Example Sentences

Amid the wounded, the amputees, the disfigured and suicidal, overworked medics, orderlies, doctors and nurses do their best to save lives and what is left of bodies and minds.

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Parts of Gaza City are disfigured beyond recognition.

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One of the bodies had been decapitated - others were "totally disfigured", he said.

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Branded as disfigured or cursed, they faced prejudice even in their homeland.

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The investigators also said Goncalves' face was "disfigured" from her wounds.

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Related Words

• deform 
• distort 
• maim 
• mangle 
• mar 
• mutilate 
• scar