The word "mutilado" refers to something or someone that has been physically damaged or disfigured, particularly through the loss of a limb or body part. This term can be used literally, as in describing a person who has lost a limb due to an accident or disease, or metaphorically, to describe something that has been severely compromised or reduced in quality or integrity.
In terms of frequency, "mutilado" is used more often in written contexts, especially in literature, journalistic writing, or medical texts, but it can also appear in oral conversation when discussing topics such as injuries, war, or physical disabilities.
El soldado regresó de la guerra mutilado y con cicatrices de su experiencia.
The soldier returned from the war mutilated and with scars from his experience.
La escultura antigua estaba mutilada, con la cabeza y un brazo perdidos.
The ancient sculpture was mutilated, with the head and one arm missing.
La mutilación de animales es un tema muy polémico en la sociedad actual.
The mutilation of animals is a very controversial topic in today's society.
"Mutilado" can be part of some idiomatic expressions, especially in discussing broader concepts of loss or damage.
Después de la ruptura, se sintió mutilado emocionalmente y le costó mucho recuperarse.
After the breakup, he felt emotionally mutilated and had a hard time recovering.
Mutilado por la guerra
Mutilated by war
Muchas personas en esa región son mutiladas por la guerra, lo que lleva a una crisis humanitaria.
Many people in that region are mutilated by war, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Mutilar la verdad
To mutilate the truth
The term "mutilado" comes from the Latin word mutilatus, which means "cut off" or "crippled." The root term mutilare means "to mutilate" or "to cut off." This emphasizes the idea of a significant loss or disfigurement.