Words / C2

LAS-uh-rayt/ˈlæsəreɪt/

To lacerate is to tear flesh in a jagged way, or, of language, to wound someone severely: lacerate the skin, a lacerating review. Wound (already in the dictionary) is everyday; scathing (already in the dictionary) is harshly critical without the flesh image. Traduce (already in the dictionary) is to slander, not to cut. Do not lacerate a junior for asking where the date went.

Meaning

To tear flesh jaggedly; of language, to wound someone severely.

Examples

• “Do not lacerate a junior for asking where the date went.”
• “Wound is everyday (already in B2). Scathing is scornfully critical (already in C2). Traduce is slander (already in C2). A dated objection can be sharp and still fair. Corridor flesh-cutting is theatre. Table the empty cell; spare the junior.”

Good to know

Tear jaggedly; also of wounding words. Everyday: wound (already in this dictionary). Close: scathing (already in C2). Contrast: traduce (slander — already in C2). A date is not a personal attack.

Near in meaning

tear, gash, wound, cut

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