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Mutate vs Mutilate - What's the difference?

mutate | mutilate |

As verbs the difference between mutate and mutilate

is that mutate is to undergo mutation while mutilate is to physically harm as to impair use, notably by cutting off or otherwise disabling a vital part, such as a limb.

As an adjective mutilate is

deprived of, or having lost, an important part; mutilated.

mutate

English

Verb

(mutat)
  • To undergo mutation.
  • To cause mutation.

    • Related terms

    * mutatis mutandis * mutation * mutant

    mutilate

    English

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To physically harm as to impair use, notably by cutting off or otherwise disabling a vital part, such as a limb.
  • To destroy beyond recognition.
  • (figuratively) To render imperfect or defective.

    • Synonyms

    * maim * mangle

    Derived terms

    * mutilation * mutilative * mutilator

    See also

    * amputate, amputation * castrate, castration * circumcise, circumcision

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Deprived of, or having lost, an important part; mutilated.
    • (Sir Thomas Browne)
  • (zoology) Having fin-like appendages or flukes instead of legs, as a cetacean does.
    • (Webster 1913)

    Alternative forms

    * (abbreviation)

    Anagrams

    * ----