Definition

The act of removing the internal organs from a body, especially in a violent manner.

Example

The ancient warriors practiced disembowelment as a form of punishment.

Conversation

Did you hear about that horror movie featuring a scene of disembowelment?

Yeah, I heard it was pretty graphic and intense!

I don't usually like that kind of violence, but I’m curious about the plot.

Same here! I prefer suspense over gore, but it could be interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disembowelment → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "embowel" (from Old French *emboueler*, meaning to remove the entrails). The word describes the act of removing the entrails or internal organs, effectively taking them apart from the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking apart' ('dis-') the 'internal organs' ('embowel') — that's why disembowelment means the removal of the entrails.

Visually Confused Words