Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin mutilātus, the perfect passive participle of mutilō (“to mutilate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), itself from mutilus (“maimed”).
1
To physically harm as to impair use, notably by cutting off or otherwise disabling a vital part, such as a limb.
mutilated currency
Little old lady got mutilated late last night Werewolves of London again.1978, “Werewolves of London”, in Warren Zevon, LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel (music), Excitable Boy, performed by Warren Zevon:
1 more example
MANILA — The Philippine military said on Wednesday that troops had found the mutilated bodies of 17 civilians in the besieged southern city of Marawi, where government forces have been struggling to dislodge militants who have entrenched themselves for the last month.2017 June 23, Felipe Villamor, “Philippine Military Says 17 Mutilated Civilian Bodies Found in Marawi”, in The New York Times:
For two reasons then it is right to be content with that which happens to thee; the one, because it was done for thee and prescribed for thee, and in a manner had reference to thee, originally from the most ancient causes spun with thy destiny; and the other, because even that which comes severally to every man is to the power which administers the universe a cause of felicity and perfection, nay even of its very continuance. For the integrity of the whole is mutilated, if thou cuttest off anything whatever from the conjunction and the continuity either of the parts or of the causes. And thou dost cut off, as far as it is in thy power, when thou art dissatisfied, and in a manner triest to put anything out of the way.1862, George Long (translation of Marcus Aurelius), Meditations, Book V:
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin mutilātus, the perfect passive participle of mutilō (“to mutilate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), itself from mutilus (“maimed”).
1
Obsolete Deprived of, or having lost, an important part; mutilated.
mutilate and semi-bodies1642, [Thomas Browne], “(please specify the page)”, in Religio Medici, London: […] Andrew Crooke, →OCLC:
2
Biology, Natural sciences, ZoologyArchaic Having fin-like appendages or flukes instead of legs, like a cetacean does.
mutilate
noun
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin mutilātus, the perfect passive participle of mutilō (“to mutilate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), itself from mutilus (“maimed”).