disfigure
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To spoil the appearance or form of something, especially a person's face or body.
To impair the beauty, symmetry, or appearance of something; to mar or deform the original shape or state.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strong negative connotation; implies lasting or serious damage to appearance. Often used in contexts of accidents, violence, or disease.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English in formal/written contexts; similar frequency overall.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] disfigured [Object] (with/in/by [Instrument/Cause])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used metaphorically: 'The scandal disfigured the company's reputation.'
Academic
Used in medical, historical, or sociological texts about injury, war, or disease.
Everyday
Used in news reports or serious conversations about accidents or attacks.
Technical
Used in medical contexts (e.g., burns, surgery) and conservation (e.g., landscape damage).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The acid attack tragically disfigured her.
- They didn't want to disfigure the historic building with a modern extension.
- The disease can disfigure its victims.
American English
- The fire severely disfigured his hands.
- Graffiti disfigures public property.
- The accident disfigured the car's front end.
adverb
British English
- The face was disfiguredly scarred. (rare)
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The disfigured statue was removed from the park.
- He wore a mask to hide his disfigured features.
American English
- She underwent surgery on her disfigured arm.
- The disfigured landscape was the result of mining.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fire disfigured the old painting.
- He was badly disfigured in the accident.
- The vandals disfigured the monument with spray paint.
- A childhood illness had left his face slightly disfigured.
- The proposed high-rise would disfigure the skyline of the historic city.
- She campaigned for victims left permanently disfigured by violent crime.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIS + FIGURE: think of 'removing or destroying a figure/face'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY/WHOLENESS IS A SURFACE (damaging the surface destroys the value).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'искажать' which is more 'distort' (information). 'Disfigure' is physical/appearance only.
- Do not confuse with 'deform' which is more about structural change; 'disfigure' focuses on appearance.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'disfigure' for abstract concepts (prefer 'distort' or 'mar').
- Misspelling as 'dis-figure'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'disfigure' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for objects, landscapes, or buildings, but the core sense always relates to spoiling visible appearance.
'Deface' usually means to spoil the surface (e.g., writing on a wall), while 'disfigure' implies more severe, often three-dimensional damage.
No, it carries a strongly negative connotation of ruin or damage.
Yes, particularly in medical or formal contexts to describe the resulting condition.