Definition

A device used to press or smooth out fabrics by passing them through heated rollers, often used for laundry.

Example

The laundry was finished, and she used the mangle to press the clothes.

Conversation

Have you ever used a mangle to press your clothes?

No, I haven't, but I've heard it makes things really smooth.

Yeah, my mom used to have an old mangle that worked wonders on linens.

Sounds interesting! I might look for one to try out myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To severely damage or injure something by cutting, tearing, or crushing it, often making it unrecognizable or unusable.

Example

The car was mangled in the accident, leaving it completely wrecked.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how she mangled that recipe last night?

Yeah, it was a disaster!

I thought I was a bad cook, but she really mangled that one.

Root Explanation

Mangle → It is derived from the Middle English 'manglen' (meaning to mutilate or injure) and is thought to have roots in the Old French 'mangler' (meaning to handle or to injure). The word 'mangle' means to severely damage or mutilate something, often by tearing or crushing.

Memory Tip

Imagine something being 'handled' ('mangler') in a way that causes it to be 'injured' or 'mutilated' — that's why to mangle means to severely damage.

Visually Confused Words