From Latin mutilare ('to cut off, maim'), derived from mutilus ('cut short, lopped, maimed'). Cognate with Greek mytilos (a type of mussel, possibly from its lopped or truncated form). The word entered English in the 16th century, first in the physical sense; the figurative sense of damaging texts or artworks developed shortly thereafter.
What does mutilate mean?
Mutilate means to inflict severe, disfiguring injury — especially by cutting off or destroying a body part. Figuratively, it means to damage an object, text, or work of art so severely that its form or meaning is destroyed.
What is the difference between mutilate and maim?
Both refer to severe physical injury, but maim specifically means to permanently disable or impair a limb or faculty. Mutilate emphasises disfigurement and the removal or destruction of body parts. Mutilate is generally the more graphic and extreme term.
Can mutilate be used figuratively?
Yes. You can say a text or artwork has been mutilated when it has been so badly edited, censored, or vandalised that its original quality or meaning is destroyed. 'The censors mutilated the film' means they made cuts severe enough to ruin it.
What is the noun form of mutilate?
The noun is mutilation: 'the mutilation of the statue'. The agent noun is mutilator (one who mutilates). The adjective form is mutilated.
Where does mutilate come from?
From Latin mutilare ('to cut off, maim'), from mutilus ('cut short, maimed'). It entered English in the 16th century, first in the physical sense of cutting off body parts, and later extended to severe damage of objects and texts.