online vocabulary.com

Disfigure - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To disfigure means to spoil or damage the appearance of something or someone, often causing permanent harm. It can refer to physical deformities, scars, or other visible alterations that mar the original form.

disfigure

/dɪsˈfɪɡjər/ /dɪsˈfɪɡər/

Definition:

To spoil the appearance or shape of something, often causing permanent damage.

Synonyms:

mar, deform, deface, mutilate

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

beautify, enhance

Common Collocations:

disfigure a face, disfigure a landscape, disfigure a building

Derivatives:

disfigured, disfigurement

Usage Tips:

Use "disfigure" to describe severe damage that alters appearance negatively, often permanently.

Common Phrases:

disfigure beyond recognition, disfigure the truth, disfigure one's reputation

Etymology:

From Old French *disfigurer*, from Latin *disfigurare* ("to deform").

Examples:

  • 1. The accident disfigured his face badly.
  • 2. The graffiti disfigured the historic monument.
  • 3. Scars can sometimes disfigure otherwise smooth skin.
  • 4. The storm disfigured the once-beautiful coastline.
  • 5. She refused to let the injury disfigure her confidence.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS