disfigure

/dɪsˈfɪɡə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪsˈfɪɡjər/ (ame, ipa) · /dis-ˈfi-gyər especially British -ˈfi-gə/ (ame, mw)

disfigure — verb

  • disfigurepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • disfigureshe / she / it
  • disfiguredpast simple
  • disfiguring-ing form

1. to cause lasting damage to how someone or something appears, especially the face

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause lasting damage to how someone or something appears, especially the face, so that it no longer looks beautiful, normal, or well-formed

例句

Acid from the factory leak permanently disfigured Soraya's hands and arms.

active: disfigure + body part as object

The temple roof was disfigured by the typhoon that tore off most of its tiles.

passive: be disfigured by [cause]

同義詞
  • deface

    Deliberate and usually about property or objects; 'disfigure' can apply to people and is often accidental

  • scar

    More specific — caused by a wound healing; 'disfigure' covers any kind of damage to appearance

  • mar

    Less severe and more general; 'disfigure' implies serious or permanent damage

  • deform

    Focuses on changing the shape, especially of body parts; 'disfigure' stresses damage to appearance rather than structure

反義詞
  • beautify

    To make beautiful; the direct opposite of ruining appearance

  • adorn

    To decorate or add beauty to something

文法句型

disfigure + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice (be disfigured by [cause]) or with a body part as the direct object. The damage implied is usually permanent or long-lasting, which distinguishes this verb from lighter alternatives like 'damage' or 'spoil'.

常見錯誤

❌The rain disfigured her new dress.
✅The rain ruined her new dress.
💡'disfigure' is too strong for temporary or surface-level damage; it implies lasting change to the appearance.