disfigure

[dis-fig-yer, dis-fig-er]

verb (used with object)

disfigured, disfiguring 

1. to mar the appearance or beauty of; deform; deface.

   Our old towns are increasingly disfigured by tasteless new buildings.

   Synonyms: blemish, spoil
   Antonyms: beautify

2. to mar the effect or excellence of.

   His reputation was disfigured by instances of political favoritism.

disfigure

/ dɪsˈfɪɡə /

verb

1. to spoil the appearance or shape of; deface

2. to mar the effect or quality of

Other Word Forms

• disfigurer noun
• undisfigured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disfigure¹

1325–75; Middle English disfiguren < Anglo-French, Old French desfigurer, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -figurer, verbal derivative of figure figure

Synonym Study

See mar.

Example Sentences

Branded as disfigured or cursed, they faced prejudice even in their homeland.

From BBC

The investigators also said Goncalves' face was "disfigured" from her wounds.

From BBC

A few years later, while operating a press machine at a baseball glove factory, Lee suffered an accident that permanently disfigured his left arm.

From Los Angeles Times

They warn that not only liberals but also libertarians and free-market conservatives have disfigured civic and institutional order.

From Salon

Another man has been charged with applying a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or do grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, and drug offences.

From BBC

Related Words

• deform 
• distort 
• maim 
• mangle 
• mar 
• mutilate 
• scar