mutilate
/ˈmjutəleɪt/
verb
- To damage or injure a person or animal severely, especially by cutting off or destroying a body part.
- The cruel captors threatened to mutilate their prisoners if they tried to escape.
- Ancient texts describe how warriors would mutilate their enemies as a form of intimidation.
- The dog's leg was mutilated in the trap, requiring immediate veterinary care.
- To damage or spoil something severely, such as a work of art, text, or object.
- The editor mutilated my article by cutting out all the important details.
- Time and weather had mutilated the ancient statue beyond recognition.
- Vandals mutilated the painting by slashing it with a knife.