Disfigure/dɪsˈfɪɡjər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Harm Used when physical damage changes an object's or person's appearance, often negatively. The vandal’s key disfigured the car’s paintwork. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Values Cultural sites affected by 'disfigure' can reflect disrespect to heritage and history. The ancient monument was disfigured with spray paint. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact Can imply emotional responses such as shock or dismay at the change in appearance. People were saddened to see the statue disfigured.