laceration
AmericanOther Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of laceration
First recorded in 1590–1600, laceration is from the Latin word lacerātiōn- (stem of lacerātiō ). See lacerate, -ion
Explanation
A laceration is a tear, cut, or gash. Your heart can also get a more figurative laceration when you see your love kissing another. Either way, ouch. A laceration implies that there is a tearing or jaggedness to the wound. A surgeon would not make a laceration on a patient, but an incision. Lacerations are reserved for things like barbed wire, errant nails, and fickle loves.
Vocabulary lists containing laceration
All American Boys
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The Kite Runner
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That Hurts! Synonyms for "Pain"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tole suffered a laceration on his left cheek and was taken to a different hospital than Sanchez, the affidavit said.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2025
Per the CPSC, “small metal pieces can detach from the garlic press, posing a laceration or ingestion hazard to consumers.”
From Salon • Aug. 14, 2025
It added that Lula suffered a laceration to the back of his head and is being monitored by doctors.
From BBC • Oct. 20, 2024
He also revealed his views on the need for safer clothing were only strengthened when he suffered his own laceration injury.
From BBC • May 14, 2024
He said he told her if the laceration wasn’t too deep he would be grateful if she treated it.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
