French Conversation · Level 85
60 words
French word
mutiler
Pronunciation
IPA/mytile/
Meaning
- verbmaim
Example
L'accident l'a mutilé.
The accident maimed him.
More examples
La guerre a mutilé de nombreux civils.
The war maimed many civilians.
Core concept
A body is left with damaged or missing parts that no longer work.
Common phrases
mutiler quelqu'un
maim someone
mutiler une partie du corps
mutilate a body part
Similar words
blesser: To cause pain or physical harm through blows, cuts, or similar injuries.
amputer: To remove a limb or body part because of disease or injury, or during surgery.
abîmer: To damage the body or an organ, making it work less effectively.
arracher: To forcibly tear a body part away from the body.
Definition in French
Causer à quelqu'un des blessures graves en lui enlevant ou en abîmant des parties du corps, de sorte que ces parties perdent leur fonction.
Word origin
Mutiler comes from Latin mutilare, derived from mutilus meaning 'maimed', and entered French through Old French.
Usage tips
- Mutiler is much stronger than blesser and usually describes severe injury from an accident, violence, or surgery.
Other meanings
- mutilateverb
- hack upverb
Opposites
- guérirhealverb
Related words
- mutilationmutilationnoun
- mutilémaimedadjective