Mangle

/ˈmæŋ.ɡ(ə)l/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To change, mutilate, or disfigure by cutting, tearing, rearranging, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To change, mutilate, or disfigure by cutting, tearing, rearranging, etc.
2. (transitive, computing) To modify (an identifier from source code) so as to produce a unique identifier for internal use by the compiler, etc.
3. A hand-operated device with rollers, for wringing laundry.
4. The mangle attached to wringer washing machines, often called the wringer.
5. (transitive, archaic) To wring laundry.
6. (chiefly Caribbean, US) Synonym of mangrove.

Example Sentences

c. 1703-20, Jonathan Swift, A Letter to a Very Young Lady on Her Marriage when they are disposed to mangle a play or a novel

mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail

There was a bright-red plastic baby-bath, a car tyre, a rusty mangle, and something that looked like a primitive version of a washing machine.

Synonyms for mangle

Antonyms for mangle

Related Words

Word Forms

• mangles
• mangling
• mangled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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