1 mangle | Definition of mangle

mangle

verb (1)
man·​gle | \ ˈmaÅ‹-gÉ™l How to pronounce mangle (audio) \
mangled; mangling\ ˈmaÅ‹-​g(É™-​)liÅ‹ How to pronounce mangling (audio) \

Definition of mangle

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to injure with deep disfiguring wounds by cutting, tearing, or crushing people … mangled by sharks— V. G. Heiser
2 : to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude a story mangled beyond recognition

mangle

noun

Definition of mangle (Entry 2 of 3)

: a machine for ironing laundry by passing it between heated rollers

mangle

verb (2)
mangled; mangling\ ˈmaÅ‹-​g(É™-​)liÅ‹ How to pronounce mangling (audio) \

Definition of mangle (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: to press or smooth (something, such as damp linen) with a mangle

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Other Words from mangle

Verb (1)

mangler \ ˈmaÅ‹-​g(É™-​)lÉ™r How to pronounce mangler (audio) \ noun

Verb (2)

mangler \ ˈmaÅ‹-​g(É™-​)lÉ™r How to pronounce mangler (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for mangle

Verb (1)

maim, cripple, mutilate, batter, mangle mean to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage. maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence. maimed by a shark cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg. crippled for life in an accident mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function. a tree mutilated by inept pruning batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate. an old ship battered by fierce storms mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds. a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

First Known Use of mangle

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1696, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mangle

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French mangler, mahangler, perhaps from mahaigner to maim — more at mayhem

Noun

Dutch mangel, from German, from Middle High German, diminutive of mange mangonel, mangle, from Latin manganum

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More Definitions for mangle

mangle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mangle

: an old-fashioned machine used to squeeze water out of wet clothes after they have been washed

mangle

verb
man·​gle | \ ˈmaÅ‹-gÉ™l How to pronounce mangle (audio) \
mangled; mangling

Kids Definition of mangle

1 : to injure badly by cutting, tearing, or crushing
2 : to spoil while making or performing If she's nervous, she'll mangle the speech.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mangle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mangle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mangle

Spanish Central: Translation of mangle

Nglish: Translation of mangle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mangle for Arabic Speakers