verb (used with object), mu·ti·lat·ed, mu·ti·lat·ing.
Origin of mutilate
Examples from the Web for self-mutilation
The pine-tree appears in the myth as the tree under which Attis committed his act of self-mutilation.The Origin of Paul's Religion|J. Gresham Machen
Sometimes the animal throws off an arm to escape capture, and self-mutilation also occurs where unfavorable conditions exist.The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
Punishments for self-mutilation are the order of the day, and innumerable men are being severely punished.A German deserter's war experience|Anonymous
It is the marring of the divine image, the ruin of the glorious temple, the self-mutilation and suicide of the immortal soul.
They could reach their position only by pledging and keeping up unceasing and awful self-deprivation and self-mutilation.The Spanish Pioneers|Charles F. Lummis
British Dictionary definitions for self-mutilation (1 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for self-mutilation (2 of 2)
Word Origin for mutilate
Word Origin and History for self-mutilation
1530s, of things; 1560s, of persons; from Latin mutilatus, past participle of mutilare "to cut off, lop off, cut short; maim, mutilate," from mutilus "maimed" (see mutilation). Technically, to deprive of some principal part, especially by cutting off. Related: Mutilated; mutilating.