definitions

mutilate

[ myoot-l-eyt ]
/ ˈmyut lˌeɪt /
||

verb (used with object), mu·ti·lat·ed, mu·ti·lat·ing.

to injure, disfigure, or make imperfect by removing or irreparably damaging parts: Vandals mutilated the painting.
to deprive (a person or animal) of a limb or other essential part.

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Nearby words

mutely, muteness, mutha, muti, muticous, mutilate, mutilating keratoderma, mutilation, mutineer, mutinous, mutiny

Origin of mutilate

1525–35; < Latin mutilātus (past participle of mutilāre to cut off, maim), equivalent to mutil(us) maimed, mutilated + -ātus -ate1
SYNONYMS FOR mutilate
1 damage, mar, cripple.
2 See maim.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for self-mutilation

British Dictionary definitions for self-mutilation (1 of 2)

self-mutilation

noun

the act or an instance of mutilating oneself

British Dictionary definitions for self-mutilation (2 of 2)

mutilate

/ (ˈmjuːtɪˌleɪt) /

verb (tr)

to deprive of a limb, essential part, etc; maim; dismember
to mar, expurgate, or damage (a text, book, etc)
Derived Formsmutilation, nounmutilative, adjectivemutilator, noun

Word Origin for mutilate

C16: from Latin mutilāre to cut off; related to mutilus maimed
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for self-mutilation

mutilate

v.

1530s, of things; 1560s, of persons; from Latin mutilatus, past participle of mutilare "to cut off, lop off, cut short; maim, mutilate," from mutilus "maimed" (see mutilation). Technically, to deprive of some principal part, especially by cutting off. Related: Mutilated; mutilating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper