# mutilation

/ˌmjutəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /mjˌuːtɪlˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mutilation
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of damaging a person's body or an object very badly. It often means cutting or removing a part of something so it is no longer whole or beautiful.

For teachers: the action of inflicting serious, permanent damage on a body or object, typically by removing or destroying a limb or essential part.

## Examples

- The ancient statue suffered terrible mutilation over the centuries.
- The treaty included strict laws to prevent the mutilation of historical monuments during times of war.
- The forensic report detailed the extensive mutilation of the crime scene, suggesting the perpetrator intended to obscure any evidence that could lead to a positive identification.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general act; countable when referring to specific instances of injury or damage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.