“Disfigured” means that something’s appearance has been badly changed or spoiled, especially in a way that is noticeable and hard or impossible to reverse.

Simple meaning

  • To be disfigured is to have your look damaged so much that it no longer appears as it did before.
  • It can refer to people (for example, a scar changing someone’s face) or things (like a building or landscape that has been ruined).

A short example:

Her face was disfigured by a deep scar after the accident.

When people use the word

People usually say “disfigured” when the change is:

  1. Visible
  2. Significant (not just a tiny mark)
  3. Often long‑lasting or permanent

For example:

  • A burn or serious injury that leaves lasting scars on the skin.
  • A historical monument covered in graffiti is said to be disfigured.

Because of this, the word can feel strong and emotional, and many people use it carefully.

A bit on origin and nuance

  • The word comes from “dis-” (meaning “not” or “away”) and “figure” (shape/form), so it literally suggests a damaged shape or form.
  • In law and medicine, “disfigurement” refers to long‑term or permanent changes to appearance, often from injury, illness, or surgery.

Example in context:

In some legal cases, visible disfigurement can increase the damages a person may receive after an accident.

Related words (similar feel)

Some words that are often used in a similar way (depending on context) include: “scarred,” “deformed,” “marred,” “damaged,” “spoiled,” or “blemished.”

Quick TL;DR

“Disfigured” means that the way something or someone looks has been seriously spoiled or damaged, usually in a noticeable and often permanent way.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.