lacerate
/ˈlæsəˌreɪt/
VERB
1. To tear or cut flesh and body tissue
To deeply cut, tear, or rip the skin or other body tissue, typically with a sharp, rough, or pointed object, causing an open wound.
1.1. Physical injuries and wounds
Used to describe causing cuts, tears, or deep wounds to human or animal skin through contact with sharp objects, thorns, claws, or rough surfaces.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- heal
- mend
- cure
- repair
Examples
- The thorns on the bush could lacerate the skin if one wasn't careful.
- The sharp blade could easily lacerate the fabric, so she handled it with caution.
- The accident left several deep lacerations across his arm.
Related Words
- laceration
- abrasion
- lesion
- wound
- injury
- bruise
- gash
- bleeding
- tissue damage
- trauma
1.2. Damage to objects and materials
Used to describe tearing, cutting, or splitting materials, surfaces, or objects with sharp edges or force, leaving damaged or ragged openings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- mend
- repair
- fix
- sew
Examples
- The jagged rocks had the potential to lacerate the ship's hull if navigated improperly.
- The sharp machinery could lacerate protective materials during the manufacturing process.
Related Words
- damage
- destruction
- fracture
- rupture
- puncture
- split
- shred
- deformation
- deterioration
VERB
2. To cause severe emotional or psychological pain
To inflict intense emotional distress, hurt, or psychological suffering through harsh words, criticism, insults, or painful experiences.
2.1. Emotional pain and personal feelings
Used figuratively to describe words, actions, or experiences that deeply hurt someone's feelings, damage their confidence, or cause emotional suffering.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- His criticism seemed to lacerate her confidence, leaving her feeling defeated.
- Her cruel remarks lacerated his feelings and damaged their friendship.
- The harsh accusations deeply wounded her pride.
Related Words
- heartbreak
- suffering
- anguish
- distress
- humiliation
- insult
- affliction
- emotional trauma
- vulnerability
2.2. Harsh criticism and verbal attacks
Used to describe severe verbal attacks, biting criticism, or humiliating remarks that deeply undermine someone's reputation, confidence, or sense of worth.
Synonyms
- criticize
- assail
- attack
- vilify
- denounce
- condemn
- torment
- wound
- hurt
Antonyms
Examples
- The journalist's scathing comments lacerated the politician's public image.
- His relentless criticism seemed designed to lacerate her self-esteem.
Related Words
- criticism
- condemnation
- ridicule
- mockery
- reproach
- sarcasm
- insult
- verbal abuse
- humiliation
VERB
3. To defeat or overwhelm thoroughly
To defeat an opponent decisively or subject someone to a severe beating, overwhelming them through superior force or performance.
3.1. Competition and decisive victories
Used to describe defeating an opponent overwhelmingly in a contest, competition, or confrontation, leaving little opportunity for the opponent to recover.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- lose
- surrender
- yield
- capitulate
Examples
- The visiting team lacerated its opponents in a one-sided championship match.
- The defending champions were lacerated by their rivals in the final.
Related Words
- victory
- defeat
- triumph
- competition
- opponent
- confrontation
- dominance
- knockout
ADJECTIVE
4. Jagged or torn in appearance
Having an irregular, rough, or sharply uneven appearance resembling something that has been torn, cut, or lacerated.
4.1. Rough and irregular edges
Describes edges, surfaces, or physical structures that appear torn, ragged, serrated, or uneven rather than smooth and regular.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The lacerate edges of the damaged material were sharp and irregular.
- The torn surface had a ragged, jagged appearance.
Related Words
- roughness
- unevenness
- tearing
- fraying
- shredding
- fracture
- abrasion