mangle — to damage or destroy something by crushing, cutting, or twisting it badly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to damage or destroy something by crushing, cutting, or twisting it badly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæŋɡəl/
Example Sentences
- The machine mangled the metal sheets into twisted wreckage.
- My cat somehow managed to mangle my headphones while I was out.
- The translator managed to mangle every famous quote in the speech.
mangle
VERB[/ˈmæŋɡəl/]
to damage or destroy something by crushing, cutting, or twisting it badly
The careless mechanic managed to mangle the brand new car door with one wrong swing.
Tangled wires strangle and mangle the decorations!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle Dutch mangel, originally referring to a mechanical device used to press and smooth wet laundry. The meaning extended over time to denote severe damage or mutilation, likely influenced by the destructive crushing action of the machine itself.
Breakdown
mangel (pressing machine) → figurative extension to 'severely damage or mutilate', reflecting the destructive crushing action associated with the mechanical device.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The machine mangled the metal sheets into twisted wreckage.”
“My cat somehow managed to mangle my headphones while I was out.”
“The translator managed to mangle every famous quote in the speech.”
“The accident mangled his leg so badly that surgery was required.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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