Lacerate
/ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/noun
To tear or make deep cuts in flesh or other material.
Did you know?The word 'lacerate' comes from a root meaning 'to tear' and has eerie connections to the practice of animal sacrifices in ancient rites.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lacerare
“To tear or mangle.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
laceratus
“Torn or mangled, especially in a gruesome context.”
14th Century
Middle English
laceraten
“To tear apart or cause injury.”
Modern English
English
lacerate
“To inflict wounds or cuts, often used in a figurative sense as well.”
Explore more surprising origins