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Added 10 October 2026

lacerate

/ˈlæ.sɚ.ɛɪt/ verb

In Latin: lacerō First recorded: 1425 Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about lacerate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Cut or tear irregularly.
Deeply hurt the feelings of; distress.
his lacerating remarks

adjective

Irregularly slashed and jagged as if torn.
lacerate leaves
Having edges that are jagged from injury.

Origin

The verb is first attested in 1425, the adjective in 1514; inherited from Middle English laceraten, borrowed from Latin lacerātus, perfect passive participle of lacerō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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