puncture

/ˈpʌŋktʃər/
verb
  1. To make a small hole in something with a sharp object.
    • Be careful not to puncture the bag with those scissors.
    • A sharp rock punctured the bottom of the boat.
    • The nurse punctured the skin with a needle to draw blood.
  2. To suddenly reduce or destroy something such as confidence, a belief, or a mood.
    • The evidence punctured the theory that the plan would work.
    • His sarcastic comment punctured the cheerful atmosphere.
    • A single mistake punctured her perfect record.
Synonyms
noun
  1. A small hole made by a sharp object, especially in a tire or other surface.
    • I got a puncture in my bike tire from a nail on the road.
    • The doctor cleaned the puncture on his arm and applied a bandage.
    • A small puncture in the balloon caused it to slowly deflate.
  2. A sudden loss of confidence or enthusiasm; a blow to one's pride or reputation.
    • Her harsh criticism gave a puncture to his self-esteem.
    • The team's loss was a puncture to their championship hopes.
    • The scandal caused a puncture in the company's public image.
What does "puncture" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean