OpenSynonym

lacerates

/ˈlæsəˌreɪts/

VERB

1. To tear, cut, or wound physically

To tear, rip, cut, or severely damage skin, flesh, or other material, typically producing irregular wounds or openings.

1.1. Physical injuries and wounds

Used to describe causing cuts, gashes, tears, or other injuries to human or animal tissue through sharp objects, rough surfaces, or violent contact.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • heals
  • mends
  • repairs
  • restores

Examples

  • The sharp thorns lacerate the skin of anyone who brushes against the bush.
  • The accident lacerates his arm, leaving several deep wounds.
  • The jagged metal edges lacerate the protective material.

Related Words

1.2. Cutting, splitting, and damaging materials

Used to describe cutting, splitting, shredding, or tearing objects and materials into damaged or irregular pieces.

Synonyms

  • chops
  • cleaves
  • slices
  • slits
  • splits
  • shreds
  • severs
  • shears
  • hacks
  • rips
  • tears
  • dissects

Antonyms

Examples

  • The industrial blades lacerate the material into smaller sections.
  • The sharp machinery lacerates the fabric during the cutting process.

Related Words

VERB

2. To cause deep emotional or psychological pain

To inflict intense emotional suffering, distress, or psychological injury through painful experiences, betrayal, criticism, or hurtful words.

2.1. Emotional pain and personal relationships

Used figuratively to describe experiences, actions, or betrayals that deeply hurt someone's feelings, damage trust, or cause lasting emotional suffering.

Synonyms

  • wounds
  • hurts
  • bruises
  • afflicts
  • aggrieves
  • torments
  • devastates
  • distresses

Antonyms

Examples

  • His betrayal lacerates the trust she has placed in him for many years.
  • The loss of her beloved pet lacerates her heart, causing profound sorrow.
  • The harsh criticism deeply lacerates the artist's confidence.

Related Words

2.2. Criticism and verbal attacks

Used to describe harsh remarks, accusations, or severe criticism that deeply damage someone's confidence, reputation, pride, or self-esteem.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The harsh criticism lacerates his confidence, leaving deep emotional wounds.
  • The journalist's scathing remarks lacerate the politician's public image.
  • Their relentless accusations lacerate her self-esteem.

Related Words

2.3. Disrupting peace and tranquility

Used figuratively to describe events or circumstances that severely disturb an otherwise peaceful environment, creating shock, distress, or emotional disruption.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The accident lacerates the tranquility of the neighborhood, leaving everyone in shock.
  • The sudden tragedy lacerates the peaceful atmosphere of the small community.

Related Words

  • tranquility
  • disturbance
  • disruption
  • turmoil
  • upheaval
  • shock
  • devastation
  • adversity

VERB

3. To defeat or thrash thoroughly

To defeat an opponent decisively or overwhelm someone through a severe physical beating or an overwhelmingly superior performance.

3.1. Physical confrontations and violent attacks

Used to describe repeatedly striking, beating, or physically overwhelming someone through forceful attacks.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The attackers lacerate their victim with repeated blows.
  • The violent storm lacerates the exposed landscape with powerful winds.

Related Words

3.2. Competition and decisive victories

Used figuratively to describe defeating an opponent overwhelmingly in a competition, contest, or confrontation.

Synonyms

  • crushes
  • annihilates
  • demolishes
  • decimates
  • clobbers
  • trounces
  • thrashes
  • overwhelms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The defending champions lacerate their opponents in a one-sided final.
  • The visiting team lacerates its rivals with an overwhelming performance.

Related Words