Definition of lacerate

The origin of the word "lacerate" can be traced back to the Latin verb "lasceāre," which means "to tear" or "to rend." The Latin noun "lacera" also existed, which referred to torn or ragged clothing, and was used as a medical term to describe wounds with jagged edges. The Latin word "lasceāre" entered the French language as "lacérer," and the French spelling and pronunciation were adopted when the word was borrowed into English during the Middle English period (1100-1476). From its French origin, "lacerate" became a relatively common word in English during the 16th century, and it has been used ever since with its current meaning of "to rend or tear roughly" or "to injure severely." The related adjective "lacerous" is also derived from the Latin "lasceāre" and means "torn or ragged," while its related verb "lacerate" has the connotation of causing something to become torn or ragged. In modern English, "lacerate" is typically used to describe physical or emotional injury, such as a "lacerated knee" or "lacerated feelings." In summary, the word "lacerate" is a borrowed French term derived from the Latin word "lasceāre," which ultimately means "to tear" in its Latin origins.