lacerate

Everyday

1. To lacerate skin or flesh is to cut or tear it badly, leaving a jagged wound. tree →
2. (literary) To lacerate someone's feelings is to hurt them deeply. tree →

In the lessons

First aid and health: «a lacerated hand», a laceration needs cleaning and maybe stitches. Stories and news reports about accidents. Formal word.

Examples

• He lacerated his knee on the sharp rocks. tree →
• Broken glass can lacerate your feet. tree →
• The nurse cleaned the lacerated skin. tree →
• The thorns lacerated her arms. tree →
• The harsh words lacerated his feelings. tree →
• Wear gloves so the wire does not lacerate your hands. tree →
• The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed the whole flock. tree →

Note

Regular: lacerated. Noun: laceration (a deep cut). Say «LASS-er-ate».