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wound

injury / cut / to injure
Transitive Verb[C] Countable
pl: woundspast: woundedpp: woundeding: wounding

In a physical sense, it describes a breach of the body's integrity. Unlike a 'scratch' (superficial) or a 'bruise' (internal), a wound implies a more significant rupture that often requires healing time and medical attention. When used emotionally, it carries a weight of permanence and depth. While 'hurting someone's feelings' can be fleeting, 'wounding' suggests a lasting scar on one's psyche or dignity. It is often associated with betrayal, rejection, or deep disappointment. The term bridges the gap between the physical and the metaphorical, implying that emotional pain can be as visceral and damaging as a physical blade.

Countable when referring to specific physical injuries or distinct instances of emotional trauma.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Sarah is hiding in the office breakroom to avoid David.
Mark

Yo, David just ripped into my layout. I'm legit wounded.

Mark
Sarah
Sarah

Suck it up. He's been on a tear all morning.

💡
Mark uses 'wounded' metaphorically to express emotional distress over criticism, fitting the transitive verb definition of causing severe emotional pain. Sarah uses the idiom 'on a tear,' meaning to be in a state of angry or aggressive activity.

Meanings

Nouninjury

An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is broken.

"The nurse cleaned the wound to prevent infection."

Transitive Verbcut

To cause a physical injury to someone or something, typically with a weapon.

"The soldier was wounded in the shoulder during the battle."

Transitive Verbto injure

To cause severe emotional pain or distress to someone.

"His harsh words deeply wounded her pride."

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error