Basic Details
Word: Mutilate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To severely damage or injure someone or something, especially by cutting or removing parts.
Synonyms: Maim, disfigure, damage
Antonyms: Heal, repair, restore
Idioms and Phrases
- Mutilate the truth: To change or distort the truth so that it becomes unrecognizable. Example: "He didn't tell her the full story; he just mutilated the truth."
- Mutilate a reputation: To severely damage someone's reputation through false claims or negative actions. Example: "The scandal was enough to mutilate her reputation in the community."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The cruel prank left the statue looking mutilated and unrecognizable.
Example 2: The animal was found mutilated after being caught in a trap, sparking outrage among the community.
Example 3: It is heartbreaking to see how some people mutilate books by tearing out pages for art projects.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "mutilate" comes from the Latin word "mutilare," which means "to cut off"? This origin reflects the serious nature of the word, as it relates to removing parts of the body or object.
Famous Quote
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson (this quote indirectly relates to not allowing others to mutilate your true self).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mutilate" mean?
a) To fix something
b) To severely damage or injure
c) To create a work of art
d) To make a new friend
Answer: b) To severely damage or injure
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mutilate"?
a) Heal
b) Maim
c) Restore
d) Protect
Answer: b) Maim
3. Which sentence uses "mutilate" correctly?
a) She will mutilate the cake into beautiful shapes.
b) The artist decided to mutilate the sculpture for his new project.
c) The old tree was mutilated by the strong winds.
d) I will mutilate my new book by reading it over and over.
Answer: c) The old tree was mutilated by the strong winds.
4. Which idiom means the same as "mutilate"?
a) Mutilate the truth
b) Make a mountain out of a molehill
c) Break the ice
d) Call it a day
Answer: a) Mutilate the truth
5. What is the opposite of "mutilate"?
a) Damage
b) Maim
c) Heal
d) Deface
Answer: c) Heal
