lacerate

US /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

UK /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

1.

tear or make deep cuts in (flesh or skin)

:

•

The barbed wire could easily lacerate the skin.

•

His arm was badly lacerated in the accident.

:

tear cut gash slash rip

2.

deeply hurt the feelings of; distress

:

•

His cruel words lacerated her heart.

•

The criticism lacerated his self-esteem.

:

wound hurt distress torment agonize