mutilation
noun
mu·ti·la·tion
ˌmyü-tə-ˈlā-shən 
plural mutilations
1
: an act or instance of destroying, removing, or severely damaging a limb or other body part of a person or animal
the mutilation of a body
They were men who had been sexually damaged by disease, accident, or deliberate mutilation.—
James J. O'Donnell
James J. O'DonnellHis book contains very many gruesome accounts of murder and mutilation, and page after page describing torture in almost salacious detail.—Geoffrey Wheatcroft
see also female genital mutilation
Geoffrey Wheatcroft2
: an act or instance of damaging or altering something radically
Evidence suggests that the mutilation of the sculptures was deliberate.
Thus an author has the right of paternity (authorship) and integrity (the right to object to derogatory actions, distortion, mutilation or other modifications in relation to his or her work that would be prejudicial to the artist's honor or reputation).—Judith Nierman
Judith NiermanCritics described the proposed structure as a "vast pile of masonry" that they feared would never be removed and would become a "permanent mutilation of Hyde Park."—Henry Petroski
Henry PetroskiExamples of mutilation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The report contains nearly 300 pages documenting mass rape, tortured families, mutilation of bodies and murder.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Investigators said some female victims were found naked or partially unclothed, with evidence of severe mutilation and objects including grenades, nails and household tools inserted into their bodies.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Morens faces charges of conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting, according to a Justice Department news release.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The footage then cuts to the character in various stages of mutilation, pre- and post a violent attack.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutilation
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Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Investigators said some female victims were found naked or partially unclothed, with evidence of severe mutilation and objects including grenades, nails and household tools inserted into their bodies.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Morens faces charges of conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting, according to a Justice Department news release.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The footage then cuts to the character in various stages of mutilation, pre- and post a violent attack.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutilation
Cite this Entry
“Mutilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutilation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mutilation
noun
mu·ti·la·tion
ˌmyüt-ᵊl-ˈā-shən
1
: deprivation of a limb or essential part especially by excision
the mutilation of a body
2
: an instance of mutilating
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