rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylacerateTearing flesh
verb

lacerate

LAS-uh-rayt/ˈlæsəreɪt/

To inflict a deep tearing wound.

The serrated knife lacerates the meat, leaving a deep, jagged tear.

A serrated knife caught in a piece of raw meat on a plain cutting board, with a deep, uneven tear opening along the blade.
Etymology
lacerateLatintear to pieces, mangle

Latin lacerare described tearing to pieces or mangling. The same image of destructive tearing underlies the English verb for deeply and irregularly tearing flesh or tissue.

In context

What Happens Iff1:06
glass fragments can damage your teeth and lacerate your mouth and soft Linings of the entire digestive tract and bowel
What Happens If You Swallow Glass? You Won't Believe!

More examples

  • A jagged piece of metal lacerated his forearm.
  • The broken glass lacerates her palm as she grabs it.
  • Heavy gloves help prevent sharp edges from lacerating your hands.

Forms

lacerate · lacerates · lacerated · lacerating

laceration noun — A deep cut or torn wound.

Similar words

tear
Emphasizes pulling flesh apart, without necessarily causing deep injury.
cut
Describes injury from a sharp edge, not necessarily tearing.
gash
Emphasizes a long, deep cut rather than torn tissue.