Disfigure Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：spoil the appearance (disfigure)

disfigure 🔊

/dɪsˈfɪɡjər/

vt.

To damage the way someone or something looks, making them ugly or different.

Disfigure face scar close-up showing spoiled appearance

spoil the appearance 🔊

➕

/spɔɪl ði əˈpɪrəns/

vt.

To spoil the appearance or beauty of a person, object, or place, often by causing visible damage or marks.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

dis- (away, apart) + figure (shape, form) => to remove the proper shape, causing ugliness.

💡 Mnemonic

DIS + FIGURE = Destroy Its Shape, making it Ugly and Ruined.

📖 Example

The historic statue was disfigured by graffiti, which made the local community very sad. 🔊 Graffiti disfigured the historic statue, deeply saddening the local community.

🔗 Collocations

disfigure one's face – to damage the natural beauty of a person's face

disfigure the landscape – to spoil the natural scenery

disfigure a building – to ruin the aesthetic of a structure

🔄 Synonyms

deface (vt.) – to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it.

mar (vt.) – to damage or spoil something, making it less perfect.

blemish (vt.) – to spoil the appearance of something by a small mark or flaw.

🚫 Antonyms

beautify (vt.) – to make something beautiful.

adorn (vt.) – to add beauty or ornament to something.

decorate (vt.) – to make something look more attractive by adding things.

🌱 Derivatives

disfigurement (n.) – the state of being disfigured.

disfigured (adj.) – having had its appearance spoiled.

disfiguring (adj.) – causing disfigurement.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin dis- (away) + figura (shape). Originally meant to mar the form. Today used for vandalism or physical damage to appearance.